Back-to-back most complex for Lakers, beaten the day before in Cleveland and who went this time to Canada without LeBron James (ankle) or Anthony Davis (sick). The initial impression was finally confirmed, since the “Purple & Gold” took on water against the Raptorsvictorious with manner (126-113), even if the gap was made more acceptable by the garbage time.
A success to which Pascal Siakam (25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) contributed greatly, along with Fred VanVleet (25 points, 7 assists), OG Anunoby (23 points, 6 rebounds), Gary Trent Jr. (18 points) or even Scottie Barnes (13 points, 17 rebounds). Proof of the multitude of offensive options of Torontowhose roller coaster continues in terms of results, while Los Angelestoo weak, lost for the second time in a row before going to challenge Philadelphia.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Los Angeles held a quarter and a half. Too diminished, the Lakers could not resist the Raptors for more than fifteen minutes. The time to find themselves at -5 (46-41) then to cash a… 16-0 (and even a 24-6 until the break!) which was fatal to them. Overwhelmed in defense because taken by the throat in the first act, but still in the game thanks to an attack at the rendezvous (and throws), the “Purple & Gold” exploded when Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. started the second and the offensive rebounds, lost balls or missed shots accumulated. game-overso.
— Toronto in control. Propelled by their excellent second quarter (31-16), the Raptors did not have to force their talent to take the measure of Russell Westbrook’s teammates. Everything may not have been perfect, especially the 3-point success or the defense in the second half, but there was just too much difference in level between the two formations for Nick Nurse’s men not to get surprised. After a collectively very attractive first half, the Canadians therefore managed their lead, rising to +27 and never falling below 13 units after the break.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Pascal Siakam. Without the keystone of the Lakers opposite, namely Anthony Davis, the Cameroonian obviously had plenty of time to express himself inside, recording quietly and solidly a new double-double, without spoiling too much: 10/20 at the shots, including 1/4 at 3-pts, with a 4/5 on throws and 2 loose balls. Unlike, for example, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby or Gary Trent Jr, also inspired and productive in attack, but with a little more waste in the shoot, and in particular at 3-pts. The symbol, finally, of the Canadian awkwardness behind the bow (12/43 in total, or a small 28% success).
✅ Dennis Schröder. If we had to highlight a Lakers player at all costs in this heavy defeat, it would undoubtedly be the German (18 points, 5 rebounds), among the few Californians to survive this night. LeBron James and Anthony Davis absent, he was responsible with Russell Westbrook (16 points, 9 rebounds) to carry the majority of his team’s hopes and he finished as his team’s top scorer. Aggressive in scoring and towards the circle (7/7 in throws), in addition to being quite clean in shooting (5/10), the leader still blows hot and cold, but this kind of performance must above all help him to gain confidence for the future.
⛔ Los Angeles Defense. Except for this pivotal second quarter, the Lakers’ attack was generally satisfactory, even if the outside address is still a problem. On the other hand, the defense disappointed, and not just a little: 126 points conceded, including 70 in the first half alone, with 58 in the paint, 28 in counter-attack and 24 in second chance. Without forgetting any quarter under the 27 units conceded. The absence of Anthony Davis largely explains this defensive failure, but the intensity was not good on this side of the floor and the Raptors obviously did not fail to take advantage of it…
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (13-12) : trip to Orlando, in the night from Friday to Saturday (01:00).
Los Angeles (10-14) : trip to Philadelphia, on the night of Friday to Saturday (01:30).
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