The Lakers could have made the evening very easy in Toronto, but had to fight until the end to overcome the eye-catching Raptors. Los Angeles led 45-19 after a little more than a quarter in what was shaping up to be a long evening for Canadian fans. They must have relived old nightmares when LeBron James had fun tormenting them with 14 points in the first quarter after arriving at the room wearing a Scream mask.
Their torments continued until the break, with the visitors 25 points ahead, thanks to good ball circulation and already four of the five holders with more than ten points. But these Raptors at least have the carefreeness of their youth, and have never given up behind their leader RJ Barrett.
Scottie Barnes on the flank for a moment, the former Knick took control of the game, alternating between scoring (24 points in the second period) and distribution. Deprived of easy baskets near the circle or in transition, the Lakers saw their lead shrink to eight units in the third quarter.
JJ Redick’s players had to rely on two important long shots from Rui Hachimura, then from D’Angelo Russell in the fourth quarter to initially repel the blow, before Anthony Davis finished the job and his superb evening on the free throw line (131-125). The Lakers can celebrate the 56th victory in 75 career games for LeBron James against the Raptors, but are worried about Austin Reaves, hit in the ankle in the second quarter and who finished the game through gritted teeth.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– 30 points from Anthony Davis? Automatic victory. For the fourth time this season, Anthony Davis reached the 30-point mark. For four Lakers victories. The interior delivered another XXL performance with 38 points, 11 rebounds, 3 interceptions and 2 blocks. Too mobile and technical for Jakob Poeltl, “AD” had a blast.
– The Raptors still weighed down by their start. 32-18 against the Wolves. 30-16 against the Hornets. And this time 43-19 against the Lakers. Toronto definitely can’t do it at the start of the match and it’s costly. The Canadian team suffered a third rather narrow setback, without having led for a single second on Friday. However, there is better with career records for Barrett (12 assists to go with his 33 points) and Gradey Dick (31 points at 13/26). Note the first match of rookie Ja’Kobe Walter, awkward for his return from injury (1/8).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
