Unsurprisingly, the start of this meeting is marked by the duel between Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. The two star interiors are showered with low post balls and score the first baskets for their respective teams. At the first time-out, the Sixers have a slight lead (18-14), thanks in particular to a good contribution from Tobias Harris (7 points) in addition to the “Process”. By a “run” at the end of the quarter (9-0 in two minutes), the locals sign the first break (32-22).
At the start of the second quarter, the Philly bench is on the field, with Tobias Harris. The formula works quite well and Philadelphia maintains its lead (41-29). But “AD”, who had gone out for a right wrist alert during the first quarter, returned and immediately reduced the gap (41-35). The interior of the Lakers revs up throughout the quarter (23 points at halftime), while the 76ers stall a bit in attack (9 points in 7 minutes). But thanks to a boost from Joel Embiid in the final minutes, Doc Rivers’ squad remained in the lead at halftime (54-48).
+20 after three quarters
Author of a good first half, Russell Westbrook gained momentum after the break, chaining aggressive drives towards the circle. But the Lakers lack serious defensive and the 76ers are not really worried. They will even further establish their domination. Tyrese Maxey wakes up after a complicated first half, and Tobias Harris is consistent in his role as the second offensive option.
Despite the efforts of Anthony Davis, who continues his work, the 76ers fly to the score thanks to a big streak at the end of the quarter, including two consecutive award-winning shots from Georges Niang. After 36 minutes, the biggest gap of the match is acquired for the locals (88-68).
The Angelinos attempt a last-ditch attack at the start of the last act under the impetus of Russell Westbrook and the Lakers bench. They pick up at -12, and Frank Vogel immediately raises “AD”, sensing that the tide may be turning. Doc Rivers puts Joel Embiid back on the field in response, but it’s Tobias Harris who dons the pooper cape. The strong winger scored two baskets at mid-range to calm the visitors, and the gap went back to 16 points (94-78). The Lakers are too short and lost 18 points (105-87).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The last minute absence of LeBron James. Yet present at the “shootaround” before the meeting, the “King” was left to rest because of pain in his left knee. In his absence, the Lakers logically lacked juice in attack, despite the big performance of Anthony Davis. His presence for the back-to-back match tonight in Charlotte has not yet been decided by the club.
– Carmelo Anthony gets annoyed with the spectators. At the end of the game, the winger approached with annoyance several fans, too talkative for his taste. Security did not do half measures by expelling a fan.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Anthony Davis. How not to mention the “Unibrow” first? For his second game since his return, the strong winger pulled out all the stops, with 31 points (14/21), 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Despite the loss, the Lakers can have a smile: AD is back, and it’s an important reason for hope for the final stretch of the season.
✅ Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian also delivered a huge performance (26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks). A little more irregular than usual and waste with 4 lost balls.
✅ Tobias Harris. Constant in attack throughout the match, the winger was perfect in his role as the second offensive option in relay of Joel Embiid. Quietly, he compiled 23 points at 10/15, but also 5 assists and 4 assists. The perfect match, in a perfect role.
✅ George Niang. With 14 points, including 4 winning shots, he was invaluable off the bench in an evening when the other substitutes were not very inspired.
⛔️ The Lakers’ outdoor address, who shot behind the arc at… 6/29! Without LeBron James and without an outside address, it was an almost impossible mission to win against Philly.
⛔️ Malik Monk. Author of an ugly 1/6 from 3-pointers, the rear was particularly representative of the Lakers’ ailments of address mentioned just above. He finished the game with 11 points on 13 shots.
THE FOLLOWING
Philly (29-19) : reception of the Kings on Saturday
Los Angeles (24-25) : “back-to-back” in Charlotte
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