With the two big blocks from Cam Reddish and the good return, here too, in defense of D'Angelo Russell, the Lakers show a serious face for their second “NBA Cup” match. Dalton Knecht finds the target at 3-points, Anthony Davis dominates the second part of the first quarter and the gap is logical after twelve minutes (34-22). In the second, Utah is still struggling to resist and can only be a spectator of the spectacular actions of the Californians (57-44).
Despite a few award-winning baskets scored here and there, the Jazz are clearly still dominated after the break. Especially when LeBron James is speeding up and having fun.
However, for a few moments there is an opening. Anthony Davis is hit and leaves his teammates and the gap narrows a little. Except that it's the moment when Dalton Knecht makes four winning baskets in a row. He adds a final one to conclude this third quarter and put Will Hardy's men at bay (97-75).
Dalton Knecht adds another layer from the first seconds of the last act, with a new 3-point basket. Later, the Jazz went 13-1 to come back to just ten points. LeBron James' baskets will do good and validate the success of the Lakers, who win 124-118.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– There’s Dalton Knecht! With 21 points in the 3rd quarter and especially this crazy 3-point series where he made four baskets in a row, we only saw him during these minutes, even though he was already very good in the first period. The Lakers rookie finished with 37 points (his career record) at 12/16 shooting including a superb 9/12 behind the arc! Above all, his nine award-winning baskets allow him to tie the NBA record for a player in his first season.
– A less controlled last quarter. No need to worry too much as the Lakers had some margin in this part. However, JJ Redick will surely not be happy with this last act – perhaps even with the second half as a whole – since his players conceded 43 points in twelve minutes.
– The Lakers at the top of their group. By winning this meeting, the Lakers now have a perfect 2-0 during this NBA Cup. They are therefore first in group B. The Jazz are at 0-2.
Highlights and statistics to come…
