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His Best Game: D’Angelo Russell scores 40 in win over Cavaliers

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

We started this feature last summer. When a player joined the Nets, we found video of his best game. In the case of 21-year-old D’Angelo Russell, it took place in March when he burned the Cavaliers for 40 points. He hit 14-of-22 from the floor, including 7-of-12 from deep, and committing just one turnover in 41 minutes.

He also became the youngest Laker to score 40 points in a game, not bad when you consider Kobe Bryant was 17 when he was drafted.

Of course, just two games before his 40-point outburst, Russell finished with just five points on 2-of-10 shooting and added seven turnovers against the Bucks.

His most dramatic shot, however, came on the last possession of the last game of the season. As recounted by Silver Screen and Roll, the SB Nation Laker blog...

On the day his grandmother passed away Russell decided to play his last game as a Laker. D’Angelo frantically gathered what would be a game-winning three-pointer against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 9 in the final possession of the game.

The ball bounced off the rim, into the sky, then floated back down through the lace net. Game. The world collectively watched the finale, though they didn’t know it at the time, to Russell’s time wearing purple and gold. While fans tracking the wins and losses groaned in unison, Russell rushed into the crowd to hug his family in attendance after breaking away from his teammates. Mr. Ice In His Veins had struck again, and this time it meant something.

Next time he puts on a uniform, it will be black-and-white.