Always a special meeting as the one marking the return of LeBron James has Cleveland. However, it was not his most successful (22 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), even if the “King” proved valuable in the fourth quarter, to support a Anthony Davis dominant in the paint (32 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks), as well as a Austin Reaves inspired coming off the bench (15 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds).
Thanks to his LeBron/Davis duo, Los Angeles therefore managed to leave Ohio with the victory (121-115), after a highly prolific match which was decided in the last twelve minutes.
Poorer execution in key moments ultimately put an end to the hopes of Cleveland in this part, despite the efforts of the returning Donovan Mitchell (22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds), Jarrett Allen (21 points, 14 rebounds) or Evan Mobley (18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Los Angeles finished better. In the wake of a sparkling Anthony Davis after halftime (23 of his 32 points), while LeBron James especially accelerated in the fourth quarter, the Lakers gradually took the measure of the Cavaliers, therefore relying on a nice domination inside, but also on a tighter defense as the minutes go by. It was complicated and balanced, but the “Purple & Gold” fought back and were victorious for the fourth time in five matches. Unlike the Cavs, on a series of two straight defeats.
– Darius Garland did not finish the game. Donovan Mitchell back after his hamstring injury, it is his partner in the Cavs backcourt who unfortunately took his place in the infirmary. Hit in the neck after contact with Max Christie in the first quarter, he did not return to the game in the second half.
– Attacks at the party. 40-35 after one quarter, 71-70 at halftime and finally 121-115 at the finish. The two teams were especially active offensively, with good general skill (47% for Cleveland, 52% for Los Angeles), many points scored in the paint (62 for Cleveland, 70 for Los Angeles), numerous passes decisive (30 for Cleveland, 34 for Los Angeles) and an ability to cause fouls and punish on the line (20/23 for Cleveland, 18/21 for Los Angeles). Spectators therefore got their money’s worth, even if defense fans were not particularly well served.
– The LeBron James Museum. On the occasion of this annual return to Ohio, LeBron James inaugurated his museum, which is located on the premises of his foundation in Akron. With a victory against the Cavs to celebrate.
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.
