Correction. This is how to define the first quarter of the match, both Clippers (without James Harden) teach lessons to Lakers totally off the mark. I have to say that Kawhi Leonard (18 points) is “in the zone” and, like their franchise player who scored almost as many points as the “Purple & Gold”, the Clipp’s attack (70% skill) to explode a beleaguered opposing defense (37-24).
The game is balanced in the second quarter. The address falls on the Clippers side, the lost balls arrive, but the Lakers do not take advantage of it because they do not take better care of the ball. LeBron James tries to wake up his troops by aligning the points in all registers, but the hyperactive Russell Westbrook is there to answer him, while Kawhi Leonard does it again to keep his opponents at bay (61-48).
Under the leadership of a very good D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers return from the locker room with a completely different face in attack. Well supported by LeBron James and above all Anthony Davis inside, “D-Lo” allows his team to catch up, while Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook try to resist. It was then that the minutes without LeBron were mastered by the “Purple & Gold”, terribly skillful and finally clean with the ball in hand. Back, Austin Reaves stands out and excites the public, notably with his “cross” on Norman Powell. Change of leader Los Angeles (87-85)!
LeBron James still so “young”
Paul George picks up speed at the start of the last act, but D’Angelo Russell and especially a rested LeBron James who is still decisive in key moments, respond and offer the Lakers a comfortable lead. In “back-to-back”, we feel that the Clippers have lacked juice since the break. Except that Darvin Ham’s men crack at +8, notably on the line, while “PG13” remains untenable under pressure in this quarter (20 points): a 3-pointer and three free throws from him thus send both teams in overtime (117-117)!
Hard blow at the start of overtime for the Clippers, who lost Paul George for six fouls. LeBron James is still there and he slams a huge “alley-oop” to put the Lakers at +5, after a precious “2+1” from Austin Reaves. Kawhi Leonard does not let himself be defeated, however, while Reaves continues to take over the game. It is finally Christian Wood which seals the success of “Purple & Gold” on a tap, at the end of a crazy encounter (130-125)!
TO REMEMBER
– End of series for the Lakers. The last time LeBron James’ teammates won a Los Angeles derby was in July 2020, in the Orlando “bubble”! Three years and eleven defeats later, they are victorious again against their neighbor (and rival) Angeleno. “LBJ” personally made sure to stop this sad series, once again showing himself to be vital and “clutch” when his team needed it most in the game. Not everything was perfect, but the essentials are there and the show was magnificent!
– PJ Tucker in gear. While waiting for James Harden to get back into shape, the Clippers were able to count on the reinforcement of PJ Tucker. The former Bucks and Heat defender stood out under the Lakers boards with 5 offensive rebounds!
THE TOPS
✅ LeBron James. Double record for LeBron James: that of the greatest number of points (35) for a player playing his 21st season (or more) and that of the greatest total of games with 30+ points (81) for a player aged 35 ( or more) ! The icing on the cake, he finally won a Los Angeles derby with the Lakers, proving decisive in the second quarter, to keep his team alive at -19, then in the fourth and in overtime, to guide them towards the victory. However, he was not alone, because he was able to count on the support of D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish.
✅ The Leonard/George duo. Supported by Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George took turns blazing, and back-to-back please! It was first Leonard who showed the way to the Clippers, with his 18 points in the first quarter. It was then George who took over in the fourth, with his 20 points before going out for six fouls. A choice performance, unfortunately marred by a defeat, while waiting for James Harden. In any case, it’s a treat to see them again at this level.
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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.
