In addition to living days of hardship, weighed down by the injuries of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, whose absence could last up to six weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers are being manhandled by their “ex”. Thursday evening, largely dominated at home by the Philadelphia Sixers – they were up to 18 points behind – the Angels nevertheless managed a nice comeback in money time, to the point of returning to only three units (101- 104, 51 seconds to play). Moment chosen by Danny Green, Laker last season, to drive the point of a superb evening on the individual level (28 points), with a three-point shot (107-101). A few seconds later Ben Simmons (9 points) had only to validate the success of Philly on the throwing line (109-101) and thus establish his domination in the Eastern Conference (32v-13d, two more victories than the Brooklyn Nets).
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8
Danny Green registered eight award-winning shots against Los Angeles, in 12 attempts (75% success). He had never reached that total last season with the Lakers. His record this season with Philadelphia is nine three-pointers scored.
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The symbolism for Green was all the stronger as he received, alongside Dwight Howard – also a Californian resident last season but quickly excluded from the meeting for two technical faults – his 2020 champion ring before the meeting. In order to dominate the premises, the winger was well helped by Seth Curry (19 points), Ben Simmons (9 points, 12 assists) and Tobias Harris (17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists).
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Marc Gasol back
Opposite, Kyle Kuzma (25 points, 9 rebounds), Dennis Schröder (20 points, 11 assists) or Montrezl Harrell (20 points, 8 rebounds) were not unworthy but the 35-17 cashed in the only third quarter- Time has weighed down the hopes of victory for Frank Vogel’s men, who were still satisfied to find the pivot Marc Gasol (5 points in 15 minutes), absent since the beginning of the month because affected by the Covid.
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Defeated for the fourth time in as many meetings, the Lakers continue their fall, expected, in the classification of the Western Conference. With a record of 28 wins for 17 losses, here they are fourth and under threat from Denver and Portland (26 wins). Memphis, ninth (and therefore in a position to qualify for the play-in), has 21 wins. The return of Anthony Davis could be recorded within two weeks. Until then, it will be necessary to limit the damage as much as possible, hoping, why not, to attract the pivot Andre Drummond, released by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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