This time around, the Lakers were serious until the end. Accustomed, in recent times, to relax and to be afraid in the face of smaller teams, they leave no chance to the Knicks, at the heart of an evening where the Lakers leave feathers. One thinks of the flagrant fault of Reggie Bullock who catches JaVale McGee when going up.
To the much more egregious foul of expelled Bobby Portis, on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, dried in the air with a blow on the head. And of course to this spectacular fall of Anthony Davis, not so obvious this time, which falls heavily on the lower back. The Lakers will have to do the last quarter without him. An easily accepted challenge because the locals already have around twenty points ahead at this stage.
In this game, the Lakers start much slower than they did in their last games. After a balanced first quarter, Californians put a first boost in the second. It’s not the other night’s blockparty, but Dwight Howard still lines up 5 of 11 against his team. A defensive impact which makes it possible to launch at best a transition game where Rajon Rondo regales (10 assists).
The Knicks’ instructions: let LeBron shoot…
“KCP”, Danny Green, Avery Bradley and even Dwight Howard, when the match is folded, are each present to sanction behind the arc. But the most prolific shooter is none other than LeBron James. RJ Barrett and the Knicks spend their evening spending under the screens, squarely inviting the King to sanction from afar. Which he does pretty well with his 6/12 final, his biggest outdoor shooting quota of the season.
With him, and good starters from Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles are 17 points ahead at the break (62-45), then another 15 a quarter after (85-70).
The efforts of RJ Barrett, Knick’s most active and aggressive attacker tonight, have had little impact on that spread. The rookie may align the “floaters”, he lacks support. Like a Julius Randle who is experiencing a second ghost period: four bricks sent and no points scored.
The Knicks let go completely in the final period when LeBron James inherited a new wide open shot behind the arc. RJ Barrett doesn’t even make an effort to raise an arm … Sixth straight win for the Lakers (30 wins – 7 losses) before finding Luka Doncic and the Mavs on Friday in Dallas. After three consecutive losses, the Knicks (10 wins – 27 losses) ended their “road trip” in “back-to-back” in Utah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOpnAXphrYc
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