For their first match since the announcement of the injury of Anthony Davis, who will miss several weeks of competition, the Lakers had to fight until the end but they won against the Wizards (119-117).
The evening almost turned into a nightmare for the Californians as LeBron James (33 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) almost lost the ball on the final action, before going to recover the leather to give it to Thomas Bryant (16 points, 10 rebounds) alone under the circle for the winning basket 7 seconds from the gong.
On the next attack, Kyle Kuzma (22 points, 16 rebounds) failed to conclude behind the arc, and Washington suffered another defeat, their tenth in a row, by far the worst current series in the League (ahead of Charlotte’s 8 consecutive losses)! That’s even 13 defeats in their last 14 outings…
It’s obviously a shame for the Wizards who managed to hang on to the end, behind the return to business of Bradley Beal (29 points) who had missed the previous six games. But, conceding an 8-0 five minutes from the end, the players of the federal capital finally had to capitulate. A new disappointment.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— The Lakers in pain. Winners of three of their last four games, the Lakers are gradually moving up the hierarchy in the West, and they are doing it the hard way, without Anthony Davis injured and who risks being on the flank for a while. “Injuries are part of the League and unfortunately he had the injuries he had,” breathes Darvin Ham. “But now is not the time to cry and feel sorry for ourselves. The season hasn’t started for a long time and we just have to keep moving forward, and for him that means getting healthy. »
— The Wizards without depth, and without defense… Behind their first options, which essentially responded, with Bradley Beal at 29 points, Kyle Kuzma at 22 points and 16 rebounds and even Kristaps Porzingis at 21 points and 11 rebounds, Washington failed to find seconds. blades. Monte Morris (7 points at 3/10 on shots), Corey Kispert (6 points at 2/5 on shots) or Will Barton (5 points at 2/8 on shots) failed to settle the target. Besides, these Wizards are just too soft defensively, leaving the Lakers at 50% shooting success.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ LeBron James. For the fourth game in a row, “King James” exceeded 30 (33 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds), and for the fourth time in a row, 50% on shots and more. If he still can’t hit behind the arc, he still makes his power speak near the circle and in percussion. A new boss game, with the assist of the game for Thomas Bryant.
✅ Thomas Bryant. Already very good against Denver in the previous match, 21 points at 9/11 on shots, Thomas Bryant shone again, and against his former club in addition. At 16 points and 10 rebounds, he signed a nice double-double, marked by his decisive dunk 7 seconds from the end.
✅⛔ Kyle Kuzma. While some will remember his missed shot at the last second, Kyle Kuzma did have a solid game before that, with 22 points and 16 rebounds, a season high. He too faced his former club, he rolled up his sleeves to putty, but that was not enough.
⛔ Monte Morris. More in demand in this month of December, he responded globally with 14 points and 6 assists on average. But last night he had more difficulty maintaining his current pace. At 3/10 on shots alone, the veteran fullback couldn’t help his team. A cruel lack on the back lines.
THE FOLLOWING
LA Lakers (13-16) : moving to Phoenix tonight.
Washington (11-20) : trip to Phoenix on Tuesday.
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