The poster of the evening turned to the correction, inflicted by the Wolves on the Lakers. In Minnesota, the Californians were crushed 109-80, unable to respond to the defensive challenge proposed by Rudy Gobert’s teammates.
There was only a short quarter-time match, 12 minutes where the clumsiness of the visitors (7/20) could already suggest a complicated evening.
But with a little aggression, and Armel Traoré in first interior rotation, the Lakers hang on (22-20). This won’t last. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are terribly clumsy, 6/21 first half.
The James/Davis duo muzzled
Opposite, the Wolves find everything they have been missing since the start of the season: intensity in defense to run better in transition, and space for shooters.
The second quarter is almost perfect in this register: 6 lost balls for Los Angeles, 7 “free” points in transition and a nice 6/12 at 3-points with Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley as chief gunners. D’Angelo Russell and his 4/4 from afar limit the damage but the Lakers are on the ropes at rest (56-44).
The Wolves can even afford to survive a night without Anthony Edwards on offense. Because around, the whole group is in tune. We find what was the best defense in the NBA last season, with a very good Rydu Gobert to limit Anthony Davis. After D’Angelo Russell, it’s Rui Hachimura who tries to break through in attack. But it’s difficult to get going again with almost as many lost balls as successful shots, like in the third quarter, once again concluded with just 20 points scored.
Already in control, the locals drove the point home without even needing to bring in Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle or Jaden McDaniels again from the entire last period. The bench takes care of finishing off the beast very well, the gap going from +15 to +25 in just three minutes thanks to five new winners from Minnesota. Rookie Terrence Shannon Jr took the opportunity to slam down one of the dunks of the evening, the exclamation point of a one-sided game.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Wolves have regained their bite. For the second time in a row, Minnesota leaves its opponent under 100 points, and in what way! Chris Finch’s team completely extinguished the LeBron James – Anthony Davis duo, only 22 points between them, thanks in particular to Rudy Gobert, author of a real DPOY performance coming out in addition to his double-double (17 points – 12 rebounds). This team is better than the now balanced record of 10 wins and 10 losses.
– The state of emergency is approaching for the Lakers. Very complicated first period for JJ Redick with a fifth loss in the last seven games. Above all, the problem is not so much the defense like last week against the Nuggets or the Suns, but the complete absence of solutions in attack, forcing a crowd of complicated shots and solo actions that lead to nothing.
– One of LeBron James’ worst games. If Anthony Davis didn’t shine either, with 12 points at 4/14 shooting, LeBron James definitely scored one of his worst in his career with 10 points at 4/16 shooting including 0/4 from distance, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 turnovers, and the worst +/- of his team at -28!
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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.
