The absence of LeBron James, announced a few hours before the match and who thus missed his second game in a row, did not take long to be felt among the Lakers. Because the Californians lost no less than ten balls in the first quarter!
Sometimes it’s Wolves’ fault, but sometimes it’s not, it’s just negligence. Chris Finch’s players don’t ask for that much and go 11-2 to take control (32-23).
With the presence of Christian Koloko in defense near the circle, and thanks to a 9-1, the Californians managed to come back at the start of the second quarter.
However, except for Anthony Davis, the offensive difficulties are obvious for JJ Redick’s players, still behind at halftime (50-44). The break doesn’t change anything. The Wolves once again took advantage of a difficult passage from their opponents to score a 13-2 and take a fifteen-point gap in the middle of the third act (77-66).
Finally, we had to wait until the last quarter to see Los Angeles finally regain some skill at 3-points. Austin Reaves, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, Anthony Davis put in there. But the Lakers also make too many fouls that result in free throws. Anthony Edwards and his gang did not tremble on the line and ensured a fairly logical success (97-87).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Anthony Davis alone. He didn’t have the game of his life either, but the All-Star interior seemed to be the only player on his team capable of scoring consistently in this game. Sometimes supported a little by Max Christie and Austin Reaves, he finished with 23 points at 10/21 shooting, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.
– The Wolves played their game on defense. Minnesota displayed its level of recent days in defense and against a team without great ideas since its best creator – LeBron James – was absent, that was enough to cause 21 lost balls and leave Los Angeles with 38% shooting success and 28% at 3-pt.
– The summary of the match in a single action. This is necessarily reductive, however, we could symbolize this part with a sequence at the end of the third quarter. Anthony Davis blocks a shot and manages to save possession, avoiding the touchline. The next action, the All-Star loses the ball, having it stolen while dribbling. Naz Reid sanctions all this with a prize-winning basket. In short, the Lakers made the effort but were weighed down by their technical waste.
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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.
