The shock did not take place, and the Kings suffered a 6th defeat in a row, this time on the Lakers' floor, despite being deprived of LeBron James. No revolution in between for Doug Christie with a usual five, and Malik Monk is immediately in the rhythm to respond to Anthony Davis, and there is skill on both sides. Fox goes for the powerful And-1, while DeMar DeRozan fakes the shot to better find Keon Ellis on the opposite 3-pointer (20-19). Both coaches begin their changes, and it clearly benefits the Lakers with D'Angelo Russell hitting from afar, while Dalton Knecht proves he can get close to the rim. The two “super subs” make the break (40-31).
On the Sacramento side, one player holds the house, and it’s DeRozan. The former Raptors and Spurs scorer signs a mid-distance basketball clinic. He's a delight, and even defenders stuck to him can't do anything. Under his leadership, the Kings regained the score (46-45) and even equalized several times. The Lakers' attack is broken down as soon as Reaves breathes, and Sacramento takes the opportunity to take the lead in the very last seconds on free throws from Fox (66-65).
A 12-0 to spend a quiet evening
Everything has to be done again for the Lakers, and JJ Redick can count on the Davis-Reaves tandem to restart the machine. The Lakers continue the And-1 with Max Christie, then Rui Hachimura and finally Reaves. The mistakes keep coming on the Kings side, and the Lakers go 9-0 in two minutes to take a 10-point lead (88-78). The Kings are out of ideas and the aggressiveness of the Lakers makes the difference. Russell plays his role of joker wonderfully, but also of a shadow player, as on this screen to allow Davis to go to the alley-oop (100-90). While Sabonis was weighed down by fouls, the Lakers finished the quarter with a new 9-0 to enter the last quarter with a 17-point lead (107-90). It's even a 12-0 straddling the two quarters.
The Lakers are believed to be flying to easy success, but benching Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves is costly. The Kings shooters regained confidence, and like De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento started the last quarter with a 7 out of 9 on shots. Result, from +20 in favor of the Lakers, the gap increases to +9 (117-108) six minutes from the end. Except that behind Domantas Sabonis receives his 6th foul, and Max Christie spoils the first of his namesake with a beautiful 3-point address. Reaves and Davis find themselves with their eyes closed, and the Lakers win 132-122. A success synonymous with a “sweep” against their neighbors: four matches, four victories.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
LeBron James sick. A few hours before celebrating his 40th birthday, LeBron James missed his third game of the season. This time, he is ill, and the staff preferred to leave him to rest, even if he was only considered “uncertain” at the start of the day.
The premiere of Doug Christie. No miracle for the umpteenth Kings coach of the Ranadive era. Formerly a very good defender, Christie wants to give his team a defensive identity, but the Lakers' 33 free throws prove that there is work to be done in defending without making mistakes.
Record for Austin Reaves. No LeBron, no creation problem for the Lakers since Austin Reaves signs 16 passes, his new career record. His agreement with Davis punctuated the evening, and it was a 5th victory in six matches for Los Angeles.
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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.
