As against the Rockets, two days ago, the Lakers are rigorous. They lose only one ball in the first quarter and they end the period on an 18-5 by hitting the racket behind the assaults of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook (39-28). A wise choice since the Kings are deprived of Domantas Sabonis.
De’Aaron Fox, untenable since the start of the match, then presses the accelerator. The Sacramento defense also raises the tone, and the Lakers cash a 14-4 which restarts the match (51-50). Despite the efforts of “King James”, a 3-pointer from Keegan Murray allows the Kings to take the lead at halftime (61-60).
The awakening of the Kings is confirmed after the break. With the exception of LeBron James, the Lakers have no answer for Sacramento’s defense. Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes set the sights and an 18-5 puts the Kings at +14 (88-74). Under the impetus of Kendrick Nunn and Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles responds with a 17-6 straddling the third and fourth quarter time to return to -2 (96-94).
Russell Westbrook put the two teams back to back but Kevin Huerter and De’Aaron Fox gave their team a five-point lead with less than three minutes to play (108-103).
A 2+1 from LeBron James puts the Lakers level with the Kings, but Barnes imitates the King. Despite an unexpected 3-pointer from Kendrick Nunn, the Kings did not shake on the free throw line and went for a fifth victory in a row while their fans could be heard chanting “Light The Beam” in the last seconds!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– No Sabonis, no problem. Despite the absence of their All-Star pivot, the Kings dominated the proceedings near the circle. After conceding 24 points in the racket in the first quarter, Sacramento took out the barbed wire to dominate in this sector during the last three quarters (42-26). Mike Brown’s men also controlled the rebound, including 14 offensive rebounds that turned into 20 points on second-chance shots.
– LeBron James plays it selflessly late in the game. Author of 27 points after three quarters, he then turned into a creator for his teammates, delivering 7 of his 9 assists in the last period, to reverse the change of defensive strategy of the Kings. However, one can wonder if the “King”, who plays with a bruised left ankle, has not also lacked juice in the last minutes. He finished at 1 of 7 on shots in the last twelve minutes.
– Kings hit by virus. Hours before the game, Domantas Sabonis, Matthew Dellavedova and Alex Len were added to the list of uncertain players. As revealed by Mike Brown before the game, several players on his team are down due to stomach aches. ” It’s nothing mean. Several players are sick, some will miss the match but I don’t think that would have an effect on our team in the long term. »
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ De’Aaron Fox. Orphan of Domantas Sabonis, the leader of the Kings has taken responsibility. He finished with 31 points and 6 assists to lead his team to victory.
✅ Richaun Holmes. Holder in the absence of Domantas Sabonis, he finished in double-double (16 points, and 11 rebounds), all at 7 of 7 on shots. Proof that he can still render great services.
✅ LeBron James. The “King” held his team at arm’s length to give them a chance late in the game. He again finished with a full stat line with 32 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.
✅ Russell Westbrook – Kendrick Nunn. Both players scored 19 and 14 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook added 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
✅⛔ Harrison Barnes. The winger was decisive late in the game, but his 20 points do not overshadow his poor 6 of 17 on shots.
⛔ Patrick Beverley – Dennis Schroeder. The two starting backs were transparent throughout the game, scoring just 8 points between them on 3 out of 10 on shots.
THE FOLLOWING
LA Lakers (20-25) : reception of the Grizzlies, who remain on ten straight wins, Friday.
Sacramento (25-18): reception of the Thunder on Friday.
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