Duel at the top of the Western Conference between two back-to-back teams, and it was the Spurs who won 107-91 against the Lakers deprived of LeBron James, left to rest to treat various physical glitches. Facing a Luka Doncic with a triple-double, Victor Wembanyama signed a double-double, supported above all by a very good Keldon Johnson.
It was perhaps a warning, but the Lakers started the match with a lost ball… Opposite, Julian Champagnie secures the mark to create a first gap (14-7). On the LA side, the absence of LeBron James forces Luka Doncic to be omnipotent. All the balls go through him and he tries to alternate between shots and passes, like the one for Jaxson Hayes’ back alley-oop. After twelve minutes, the Spurs are in front (26-23).
Victor Wembanyama gives the Spurs some breathing room, but Jake LaRavia comes out of his box with two winning baskets to give the Lakers the advantage (32-30).
At his side, Luka plays Luka, but he finds a response with Keldon Johnson. The Spurs’ usual 6th man is having a big night with permanent percussion, and he plants 14 points in the first half! Opposite, Luka Doncic suffers the blow, and the Spurs regain control to lead by five points at the break (48-43).
Wemby as a scarecrow
Returning from the locker room, De’Aaron Fox takes the match into his own hands, and the Spurs finally decide to play fast. It’s rather useful against the Lakers whose defensive withdrawal remains problematic. Jarred Vanderbilt tries to respond, with his usual energy, but the Spurs have far too many weapons.
Stephon Castle is as dense as ever, and Wemby makes up for a lost ball by tarps on Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton. The Lakers let go, and the Spurs led by 11 points at the start of the last quarter (79-68).
Jake LaRavia opens the last quarter with another 3-pointer, but Victor Wembanyama responds twice, and we see that his relationship with Jeremy Sochan is intact. As Keldon Johnson is still as impactful as ever, the Lakers are letting go, and Luka Doncic’s exploits are not enough. A little late no doubt, JJ Redick whistles the end of the game, and his Lakers lose 107-91.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– A mini-event for Wemby. Never since his arrival in the NBA has Victor Wembanyama won against Luka Doncic. It’s done, and the Frenchman puts in a complete performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 interceptions and 4 blocks. It was off the bench with limited playing time, but it was mostly back-to-back and everything went well.
– Luka Doncic in triple-double. Lonely, Luka Doncic has little to complain about with his 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. This is his 86th career triple-double. He tried as much as possible to involve his teammates, and sometimes we even said to ourselves that he was not personal enough as he had an advantage over each defender.
– End of series for the Lakers. After three straight victories, including two against the Grizzlies, the Lakers logically lost. Without Austin Reaves or LeBron James, JJ Redick lacked weapons to support Luka Doncic.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
