It’s not every day that LeBron James ends up with more turnovers than assists, but the good news is that the Lakers managed to pull through! Still on a tightrope, and the day after a setback after overtime against the Kings, Darvin Ham’s men won 106-103 against the previously undefeated Magic.
Thanks to a fiery D’Angelo Russell, author of a “poster dunk” on Paolo Banchero, and an Anthony Davis in gluttonous mode, the Lakers had the best start to lead 35-24 at the start of the 2nd quarter. time. But lost balls and careless errors in defense will allow the Magic to return to the match with an astonishing Gary Harris finishing. The former Nuggets back is unleashed, and the Magic signs a 17-5 to take control at the break (58-54).
Jet Lakers
The Magic will keep its lead, and even increase it thanks to a 7-0, with Franz Wagner punishing from afar then going to score from close range (80-72). Darvin Ham has no choice, he brings D’Angelo Russell then LeBron James into play at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Lakers responded with a 9-0 to take control (81-80) at the start of the last quarter.
Until then clumsy, LeBron James holds his team at arm’s length, and like against the Suns, he goes for the circle. But the Magic has more variety in its game, and above all the Lakers continue to lose ball after ball. Cole Anthony then Wendell Carter Jr, on an alley-oop, gave their team the advantage six minutes from the end (96-91). The end of the match is epic with Markelle Fultz breaking through the defense to respond to Russell. We go blow for blow, and two minutes from the end, Jalen Suggs gives Orlando the advantage (103-101).
D’Angelo Russell still has ice in his veins
Behind, Russell, again, restores the advantage with a winning basket, after a ball well brought out by Christian Wood (104-103). What follows is a festival of blunders, with Davis blocking access to the circle. Like this angry penetration by Jalen Suggs. Foul on Wood, then on Russell. The leader of the Lakers goes to register two free throws to give a possession lead (106-103).
Ball to the Magic, with eight seconds left. Wagner then Suggs, who had taken the rebound, missed the 3-point equalizer, and the Lakers won at the last minute. This is Orlando’s first defeat.
TO REMEMBER
– ClutchTime. The Magic have missed their last five shots! Until then, Markelle Fultz had managed the tempo perfectly, but his teammates showed haste in the last two minutes. Like Suggs who impaled himself on Davis.
– 3-point address. Even if Gabe Vincent scored his first 3-pointer under his new colors, long-distance skill remains a problem for the Lakers. Eight prize-winning baskets registered, at only 27%. Russell won’t be this skillful every night…
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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.
