After suffering four defeats in one week, at the end of February, the Los Angeles Lakers had succeeded in defeating Portland then Golden State. But the outgoing champions lost Tuesday against Phoenix (114-104) then lost again Wednesday at the Sacramento Kings (123-120), it is true, without LeBron James, touched in an ankle, nor Anthony Davis, injured of long time. Or a pitiful record of two victories in their last eight outings.
– –
Los Angeles had yet entered its match, leading 25-11 after eight minutes and still having a certain lead after a quarter (31-23). The Kings, who had recently ended a series of nine consecutive losses, managed to catch up and were in the lead at the break, narrowly (63-61). Upon returning from the locker room, the two teams did not leave each other.
– –
Barnes wins the Kings
In the last quarter, Sacramento allowed itself a small gap (108-100, 42nd). But the Lakers immediately reacted (115-115), with only two minutes left to play. The end of the match was nervous, breathtaking.
– –
At 42 ” from the buzzer, LA was ahead, thanks to two free throws from Dennis Schroder (120-119). Harrison Barnes, the Kings strong winger, then managed a shot to put his team in the lead. The same Barnes then converted two free throws, and on the final action of the game, Lakers winger Kyle Kuzma missed his shot by three points. And the victory went to the side of Sacramento.
– –
Three Kings players have reached the 20 point mark. Buddy Hield had 29, compared to 23 for DeAaron Fox and 20 for Harrison Barnes. In the absence of James and Davis, Dennis Schroder (28 pts), Montrezl Harrell (26) and Kyle Kuzma (25) carried the Lakers. Marc Gasol did not play (Covid-19 protocol).
– –
The Los Angeles Lakers will return after the All Star Game break. On March 13, they will host the Indiana Pacers. The Sacramento Kings will try to confirm their success on Wednesday. Next night they will challenge the Portland Trail Blazers.
– – .
