In the first half of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's name was added to a very specific list of players in NBA history: Those that have fallen victim to a chase-down block by LeBron James. Arguably James' most well-known play caught NAW by surprise.
In the second quarter with the Timberwolves leading by five points, Alexander-Walker came streaking down the court, looking like he was taking it to the cup one-on-one against Austin Reaves. But he must not have seen James trailing him closely, and LeBron swooped in for the right-handed swat, pinning the ball on the backboard and erasing Nickeil's layup attempt.
LEBRON GETS UP FOR THE CHASEDOWN 🚫
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2025
THAT LOOKED FAMILIAR 👀
Timberwolves/Lakers Game 1 on ABC! pic.twitter.com/FjwGLz4MB3
Nickeil Alexander-Walker fell victim to a LeBron James chasedown block
If you have followed the NBA and especially if you have watched James play for more than a few years, you know just how famous LeBron's chase-down block is. It was the same defensive play he made against the Golden State Warriors during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals that ultimately won the Cleveland Cavaliers a championship that year.
James makes an effort to make these types of plays as often as he can. Even if he is not having a game where he is effective anywhere else on defense, he is going to make sure he gets his chase-down block.
The Timberwolves currently lead the Lakers at the half of Game 1, 59-48. Despite slow halves from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, Minnesota holds the advantage over their Western Conference foes.