Still deprived of success in 2024, and on a series of four defeats in a row, the Lakers measured themselves to make matters worse Clippers who remained on fourteen victories in sixteen matches. A derby of extremes, or almost, which nevertheless saw the less fit of the two teams winning at the wire (106-103). Even if Norman Powell had the opportunity to equalize at the buzzer.
Everything came down to the last 90 seconds, with the Lakers relying, as they often do, on LeBron James (25 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Anthony Davis (22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals) in this game, while D'Angelo Russell And Taurean Prince (26 points to two) also proved valuable for the “Purple & Gold”. It was necessary to resist the 22 points and 19 rebounds ofIvica Zubac or even the 22 points and 5 interceptions of Paul George.
With this very important victory, the Lakers are in any case back in the Top 10 in the West, despite a still negative record (18-19), while the Clippers (22-13) retain their place in the Top 4.
TO REMEMBER
– The Lakers broke away. Trailing, at worst, by nine points in the first quarter and ahead, at best, by ten points in the fourth, the Lakers had to wait until the last 90 seconds to make the difference against the Clippers, in this most tight derby . A big 3-pointer from Taurean Prince at 98-98, then a penetration from LeBron James, delivered the “Purple & Gold”, even if James Harden and Ivica Zubac tried to keep their team alive despite the play of the free throws. A success achieved with forceps by Darvin Ham's men, who have been struggling for a month and who will try to launch a positive series.
– Successful return for D'Angelo Russell. Absent for three evenings, “D-Lo” was back in business and, still off the bench, he showed his advantage with 13 points and 6 assists, but above all positive (and decisive) actions for the Lakers . Like his shift for Taurean Prince at 98 everywhere, his two 3-point baskets in the second half or his counter on Russell Westbrook at the start of the match. Without forgetting his offerings for the Davis/Wood duo inside. Essential, knowing that Austin Reaves missed his game, and the symbol of the domination of the “Purple & Gold” replacements.
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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.