The meeting promised to be spiced up between two of the teams in form at the moment, Cleveland on one side, and the Lakers of LeBron James on the other.
The Californians held on in the first half despite a series of unfavorable events. First there was the quick exit of Anthony Davis, sick and unable to continue after 8 minutes of play, combined with the start for the less successful of Jarrett Allen with 18 points at 9/9 shooting to start ( 33-28).
Finally, it was Donovan Mitchell who raised his voice shortly before the break with 11 of his 14 points scored at the break in the second quarter. It is in large part thanks to him that the Cavs joined the half on a 12-2 to move to +8 (57-49).
Despite everything, the Lakers showed good resistance, with LeBron James in charge but also Russell Westbrook and an interesting relay from Thomas Bryant. Upon returning from the locker room, it was Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker IV who brought their stone to the building to stay in contact (65-65).
The situation was complicated for the Lakers when the locals managed another series, an 11-2, with once again Donovan Mitchell as the main gunner. The rear was in all the right moves, delighting the assembly with a crossover on Austin Reaves followed by a lay-up then a dunk in transition (79-70). But the bench players accompanied LeBron James to restart the game, between Troy Brown’s two baskets and Austin Reaves’ 2+1 (85-83).
The last boost from the locals was finally the right one, under the impetus of an unstoppable Donovan Mitchell. The back did everything, between scoring and assists, to feed a 14-4 to recreate a gap (101-92). “Spida” then sealed the suspense with a left-handed lay-up with the bonus foul and a “side-step” before triggering 3-points in front of poor Austin Reaves, his victim of the evening (113- 98). Winners 116-102, the Cavs consolidate their third place in the East behind Boston and Milwaukee.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– LeBron back home. LeBron James’ games in Cleveland since leaving Ohio in 2018 are still an event. On this occasion, the franchise had prepared a clip to pay tribute to him. In his match, the King applauded and sent kisses to the public who accompanied him for eleven seasons in the NBA. Fans who must have been delighted with their evening in view of the level of the evening opposition and the new victory of their proteges.
– Thomas Bryant and Jarrett Allen on their 31. The two numbers 31 of this match fought a good battle. Jarrett Allen started the game with incredible efficiency that put Cleveland in the lead. After the pronounced forfeit of Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant gradually warmed up over the game to finish at 19 points, his record this season, and 9 rebounds.
– When “Spida” does it again. Donovan Mitchell was brilliant in his two games against the Lakers. Already essential during the first opposition between the two teams a month ago with 33 points, he returned the cover last night with a peak of 43 points, for two victories at the finish!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Donovan Mitchell. Another demonstration for the Cavs star, who was in all the right moves. He started to get hot at the end of the first half then was essential in the successful series by his team until he struck the blow with his 2+1 followed by his 3-pointer. He was also very strong in defense with 4 interceptions and ended up with the best line of stats of his very good season, at 43 points (at 17/27 in shooting), 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Great art!
✅ Jarrett Allen. The performance of the Cavs is notable because the Lakers have long resisted in front. The meeting could have taken another turn without the thunderous start of an unstoppable Jarrett Allen. The Cleveland pivot thus attacked his game at 9/9 shooting to finish with 24 points and 11 rebounds. It is also what makes the strength of Cleveland. Tonight, he was Donovan Mitchell’s number one lieutenant. It may be another in the next game.
⛔️ The Lakers’ exterior awkwardness. In an unaddressed game with 3-pointers on both sides, it was Darvin Ham’s team that was the most clumsy with a fatal 6/36 (16.7%) from afar. The Californians watered all evening without ever managing to set the sights. Special mention for the outside trio Walker-Schroder-Beverley, at 2/16 in the exercise.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (16-9): the Cavaliers will host the Kings this Friday (1:30 a.m.).
LA Lakers (10-13): the Californians continue this evening in Toronto (01:30).
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