In a heated NBA game, the Los Angeles Lakers crushed the Toronto Raptors 123-103. Austin Reaves shines with 27 points for the Lakers while RJ Barrett cannot prevent his team’s defeat despite his 18 points. Relive this epic duel between two teams determined to…
The Crypto.com Arena vibrated to the rhythm of an epic NBA match this Monday, November 11, 2024. The Los Angeles Lakers, carried by an Austin Reaves of the great evenings, dominated the Toronto Raptors head and shoulders in a one-way encounter. The final score of 123 to 103 in favor of the Angelinos reflects the intensity of this duel between two teams determined to shine at the start of the season.
Reaves blazes, the Lakers soar
From the start of the match, the tone is set. Austin Reaves takes charge on the Lakers side, stringing together winning shots with disconcerting ease. The 25-year-old full-back finished the meeting with 27 points at 59% shooting successincluding a superb 3/9 behind the arc. A real detonator, it allows his team to take control and quickly widen the gap.
Opposite, the Raptors are struggling to find the solution. Despite the efforts of RJ Barrettauthor of 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, the Canadians are subject to the law of the Lakers. The fault in particular lies in an address at half mast, symbolized by a sad 33% shooting success for Barrett. Toronto fails to contain the opposing attacks and sees the score inexorably swell.
James’ experience, Boucher’s start
Alongside a boiling Austin Reaves, LeBron James puts on the show. Author of a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assiststhe “King” delights the audience at the Crypto.com Arena. His vision and his altruism really hurt the overwhelmed Raptors, like the 3 balls lost by Barnes. James, despite his 39 years, shows that he still has beautiful remains.
“LeBron is incredible. His basketball IQ and his ability to make his teammates shine command respect. He’s a true leader.”
Darvin Ham, Lakers coach
On the Toronto side, the lights are red despite a slight improvement in the second half. The bench manages to stand out, notably with 18 points from the explosive Chris Boucher. The Montrealer also had 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Insufficient, however, to hope to worry the Lakers in total control.
Davis-Poeltl, duel of pivots
In the racket, Anthony Davis takes the best of Jakob Poeltl. Imperial in defense with 2 blocks and 6 interceptionsAD also scores 22 points at 75% success. His opposite number Poeltl is not to be outdone with 14 points and 10 rebounds, including 4 offensive ones. A high-flying duel between two major interior designers of recent years.
After this convincing success, the Lakers climbed to 4th place in the Western Conference. With a positive record of 7 wins for 4 losses, LeBron James and his teammates send a strong message to the competition. A good omen before welcoming the Knicks to Staples Center in 3 days. For Toronto and Nick Nurse, on the other hand, it is a new setback which leaves a mark (6 wins – 5 losses). We will have to remobilize ourselves for the reception in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Post-match reactions
The players in this one-way meeting did not fail to comment on each other’s performance. The main architect of Californian success Austin Reaves welcomed the current dynamic:
“We are gaining strength, there is still a long way to go but our game is falling into place. We must continue like this.”
Austin Reaves, Lakers guard
On the Toronto side, we are looking gloomy. The coach Nick Nurse did not hide his frustration:
“We’re completely missing out. Too much waste, missed shots, we can’t win like that against a team like the Lakers. We will have to remobilize very quickly.”
Nick Nurse, Raptors coach
RJ Barrettdespite his laborious match, wants to be positive:
“Evenings like this are hard to swallow. But we must learn, work and move forward. The season is still long.”
RJ Barrett, Raptors guard
The Top 10 of the night in the NBA
- Lakers 123-103 Raptors
- Mavericks 120-122 Nuggets
- Kings 127-118 Dog (AP)
- Grizzlies 134-89 Trail Blazers
- Warriors 127-116 Thunder
- Heat 95-94 Timberwolves
- 76ers 107-105 Hornets (AP)
- Wizards 94-121 Magic
- Pelicans 105-90 Hawks
- Cavaliers 97-85 Pistons
This NBA night will therefore have seen the breathtaking Lakers of LeBron and Reaves crush the harmless Toronto Raptors. No miracle for RJ Barrett and his teammates, caught by the throat from the first minutes and unable to react. The Angelinos, for their part, have struck a major blow and are putting their pawns in a Western Conference which promises to be tough. Another setback and Toronto will have to ask itself the right questions. The holidays are still far away.
Next game: Lakers vs. Knicks, Friday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, 2:30 a.m. French time.
