It's time for a resumption in the NBA, with the Lakers and the Timberwolves who challenged each other after the big victory of the defending champions Boston in the opening against New York. The opportunity for players to Los Angelesled by Anthony Davis (36 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks), to attack the season from the right end by logically dominating Minnesota And Anthony Edwards (27 points). Their first opening night success since… 2016.
After a pleasant and balanced start (23-22), the Lakers took advantage of a run from 27-6 to take the lead in the second quarter. Physically dominated (on the rebound, in the paint, etc.) and not very careful with the ball, the Timberwolves gradually cracked as the minutes passed (55-42). While LeBron James And Bronny James took it upon themselves to make history for 2 minutes 30…
But there was better for Minnesota after the break, partly thanks to Los Angeles' 3-point clumsiness.
The intensity increased, the Wolves showed their fangs and the gap was reduced to two possessions (85-81). Except that the “Purple & Gold” relied in particular on Anthony Davis to withstand the shock, extinguish Anthony Edwards, and validate a deserved inaugural success (110-103), as they will have dominated this match from start to finish (or almost).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Los Angeles hits hard from the start. Clumsy from afar, the Lakers understood that they needed to press in the paint to exist in this game and so they made sure to do so. Yet faced with a defensive benchmark, they did a job on the offensive rebound and in the paint, also showing themselves to be very clean with the ball in hand. In addition to Anthony Davis, untenable inside and more responsible with the ball, we will highlight the great performance of Rui Hachimura, while LeBron James and Austin Reaves contributed positively in sequences. Enough to provoke, in the face, the frustration of a slightly lonely Anthony Edwards, and sometimes personally.
– Season number 22 for LeBron James. By playing this match against Minnesota, LeBron James took the opportunity to equal Vince Carter in the ranking of players with the most career seasons. Barring disaster, number 23 from Los Angeles – also become the player who has missed the most shots in his career, ahead of Kobe Bryant… – should alone seize this record in a year, during his 23rd season in the league…
– LeBron and Bronny James officially make history. It was just before halftime, when the Lakers were marching on the Timberwolves, that JJ Redick decided to bring LeBron and Bronny into play at the same time. After hitting the floor together in preseason, the James imitate Ken Griffey Sr. & Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB), Tim Raines Sr. & Tim Raines Jr. (MLB), Ted & Charlie Nesser (NFL), and Gordie, Mark, & Marty Howe (NHL) among father/son who have also been teammates in one of the four major sports in the United States.
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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.
