Still no Jalen Brunson (foot) for the Knicksbut of course Julius Randle (33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) who, for his reunion with the Lakersdid not fail to leave them his business card and make them suffer that night.
Well supported by a RJ Barrett decisive at the end (30 points, including 13 in the last quarter), the All-Star interior took everything new York on his back to leave with the victory (112-108) and stop the series of three defeats in a row of his team.
Opposite, D’Angelo Russell (33 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds) may have tried everything to overthrow the New York franchise with Anthony Davis (17 points, 16 rebounds), he was unable to do so and allow Los Angeles to pick up at the same time in the Top 8 of the West.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— New York pulled out the muscles. In “back-to-back” and after three consecutive defeats, the Knicks bounced back very nicely last night, dominating one of the teams in form at the moment. Everything was not perfect, especially at 3-point or in the collective game, but Tom Thibodeau’s men snatched a precious success on the road. Relying on Julius Randle then RJ Barrett and responding present in physical intensity, to dominate on the rebound or cause faults and free throws. A victory acquired with forceps, therefore, without losing ground when things got complicated and which restores confidence to the group.
— Julius Randle remembers his ex fondly. Player of the Lakers between 2014 and 2018, the interior of the Knicks was necessarily keen to shine in Californian lands. Especially the day after his failed and frustrating game against the Clippers. In this sense, he quickly communicated his intentions to the Los Angeles defenders, constantly attacking them to score near the circle and at mid-range or to cause fouls. Launched by his 18 points in the first quarter, he did not falter in the next two keeping the same recipe, effective, before handing over to RJ Barrett in the last act.
— Missed opportunity for Los Angeles. In the event of victory, the Lakers had the possibility of balancing their balance sheet for the first time of the season and especially of returning up to Minnesota and Dallas, respectively 7th and 8th in the West. Except that things did not go as planned and here is the California franchise tied with Utah, New Orleans and Oklahoma City, respectively 10th, 11th and 12th in the West. The coming week, which will see Darvin Ham’s men challenge the Pelicans, Rockets, Mavericks and then the Magic, promises to be crucial…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ D’Angelo Russell. As against Toronto on Friday night, the Lakers point guard splashed the meeting with all his talent in attack. Very quickly in rhythm and in phase with his shot, he propelled his team to the controls, before his time on the bench made him lose the thread. Back in action, “D-Lo” resumed his festival to bring his people back into contact, before once again being the oxygen mask of Los Angeles after the break because, as soon as things were not going well, the “Purple & Gold” could count on Russell to find colors. Too bad that the defeat and a more discreet last quarter tarnish his performance.
✅ RJ Barrett. Quietly, the Canadian was a solid second offensive option for the Knicks. Like Julius Randle (3/12…), he was clumsy from 3-pointers (1/8…) but, like Julius Randle, he pressed into the paint and mid-range to score his points. Especially in the fourth quarter, when Barrett took the game on his own while Randle rested to put New York in charge, for good. A decisive rise in power for Gotham players.
⛔ Malik Beasley and Troy Brown Jr.. Bad evening for the two holders of Los Angeles, who spent their time watering the shoot: 4/12 (including 2/8 at 3-pointers) for Beasley and 0/8 (including 0/7 at 3-pointers) for Brown Jr. Their inability to convert their shots, especially their open shots, greatly handicapped the Lakers in this game.
⛔ Mitchell Robinson. Discreet performance from the pivot of the Knicks (4 points and 5 rebounds) who, apart from a few welcome offensive rebounds caught in the first half, did not stand out that much. Aware of the difficulties of his interior, Tom Thibodeau also ended up preferring the most influential Isaiah Hartenstein over the match, much more useful on both sides of the floor.
THE FOLLOWING
Los Angeles (33-35) : trip to New Orleans, overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday (01:00).
New York (40-30) : trip to Portland, overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday (03:00).
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