LeBron James had started the match with the intention of taking advantage ofAnthony Davis in the racket. Jakob Poeltl in the infirmary, the interior of the “Purple & Gold” was served under the circle by his teammate, to score 16 points at 7/9 in the first 12 minutes of the match.
A strategy put aside during the following two quarters since AD will be content to register 5 points in total in the second and third quarters, at 2/3 shooting.
But while the match was still close, the Lakers pressed their interior again at the end of the match. Result ? 20 points at 4/5 shooting, and especially 11/11 free throws!
Enough to infuriate Darko Rajakovic, whose players only obtained two free throws in the entire final quarter. But enough to allow the Lakers to achieve a second consecutive success for the first time in a month and to regain balance (19 victories – 19 defeats) in 10th place in the West.
“It’s its effectiveness. The fact that he is a presence in the painting, near the circle” explains Darvin Ham to summarize the impact of his player, who ultimately compiled 41 points on 13/17 shooting, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. “He causes fouls, he makes his free throws. He puts his feet up, puts in his 3-pointers. His efficiency tonight was crazy. He communicated in defense. However, it is a difficult team to defend, with athletic players, long and athletic wingers, and fast backs. He was our “defensive middle linebacker” (the defensive quarterback in American football) reminding everyone what they needed to do. We are happy to get the victory but his desire to relentlessly attack the circle tonight was huge for us. »
