Here are the Lakers rewarded for their good series since they are now eighth, after having won their 45th success of the season, the ninth in ten games, this Saturday against Cleveland. The Cavs put up some good opposition, but the strength of the Russell-James-Davis trio, in all aspects of the game, ended up making the difference.
The two teams were evenly matched in the first quarter, with an enterprising Russell-James duo to counter the Garland-Allen pair (33-33).
Los Angeles, however, found a way to take the lead, with D'Angelo Russell again launching an 18-2 run with a 3-pointer and completing the first act. The leader followed up with another outside shot then a lay-up before letting Taurean Prince slam two new arrows behind the arc to widen the gap (51-35).
Even if D'Angelo Russell was able to continue his show with great efficiency, Cleveland found a way to hang on, thanks to a more aggressive Donovan Mitchell and a 9-0 passed by the Garland-Strus-Allen trio who revived the match just before the break (61-56), concluded by a huge dunk from Anthony Davis (65-56).
A 19-0 to regain control
JB Bickerstaff's team continued its momentum upon returning from the locker room with an 11-2 lead fueled by two new 3-point baskets from Darius Garland, allowing the Ohio franchise to come back to 67-67. The Cavs perhaps thought they had done the hardest part by gaining up to 4 points in advance (69-73). It was a bad outcome for them, because what followed was the scene of unchallenged domination by the Californians.
This time, it was LeBron James who sounded the revolt with a ball released for the 3-pointer from the corner of Austin Reaves then a lay-up snatched in front of Jarrett Allen to launch a 19-0 completed by 3-points from Taurean Prince, Anthony Davis, and a lay-up from Taurean Prince (88-73).
Jaxson Hayes put on the show with an alley-oop on a LeBron James serve to start the last act then with another high altitude flight. D'Angelo Russell drove home the 3-pointer to bring the Lakers back to +15 and allow his team to calmly approach the end of the match (99-84). LeBron James finished the job with two baskets near the circle and an alley-oop served by AD as a bouquet, for a final success with a score of 116 to 97. The best way to prepare for Minnesota's reception in “back- to-back” this Sunday.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– An imperial trio. Between the efficiency of D'Angelo Russell, 11/17 shooting, including 6/12 at 3-points, the mastery of LeBron James (24 points, 12 assists) and the aggressiveness of Anthony Davis (22 points , 13 rebounds, 3 interceptions, 6 blocks), the Lakers were able to count on a trio in great shape. Each in their characteristic style will have contributed to important moments to lead Darvin Ham's men to victory.
– Taurean Prince in puncher mode. The winger is also to be credited with a very good performance with his 18 points in 20 minutes at 7/8 shooting including 4/5 at 3-points and a remarkable +/- of +26. He thus contributed to the great address from the Lakers at 3-points in the match (16/37, at 43.2%). Some of his 3-pointers in transition were blows to the Cavs who ended up cracking.
– Donovan Mitchell misses out. The Cavs guard is still on alternating current and never really got into his game, which caused a small 4/13 shooting and 5 lost balls. Darius Garland would have needed more effective lieutenants to stand up to these Lakers, and “Spida” was not up to the task.
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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.
