For Doug Christie’s big debut on the Kings bench, there was no shock for Sacramento. Too fragile on the defensive level and reaction, his players logically fell on the Lakers floor in the face of the XXL performance of Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis. (132-122)
To find the stats for this match, click here
No Doug Christie effect for Sacramento
The dismissal of Mike Brown had left its mark and we wondered if interim Doug Christie, a former glory of the franchise, was going to provoke a revolt on the part of the Kings of California. This was not the case since the Kings did not show a very conquering face this night. Too weak in defense, they bet everything on their attack but came across Lakers who were more solid defensively and who did not hesitate to exploit the opposing flaws. Above all, we feel that Sacramento is very much in the reaction, only returning the blows too late, when the score is already badly underway (they were up to 20 points behind at the start of money time). Often criticized at the start of the season, DeMar DeRozan shone offensively against the franchise of his youth. Domantas Sabonis was weighed down by mistakes, several of which were largely avoidable. De’Aaron Fox, finally, delivered a two-speed match with a lot of clumsiness at first before letting go of the horses in money time as he knows how to do, but a bit too late.
The Lakers attack in a state of grace
If Sacramento didn’t have a great game, we can pity the Kings on the fact that LA undoubtedly delivered one of its best offensive matches of the season. 132 points scored, 54% from 3-point range, these are figures which do not reflect the level of attack of the Purple and Gold since the resumption. For comparison, LA was scoring around 111 points per game before this match and was only shooting 34.5% from distance, 22nd in the League. Not exactly the numbers of the day, with Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and Max Christie who did well, especially in a one-sided third quarter. The only downside is the injury exit of Gabe Vincent, who definitely cannot regain the fullness of his physical and technical means.
Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis as bosses without LeBron James
A few hours before the match, we learned that LeBron James would not be in uniform due to illness. An absence that could have weighed heavily but last night, we didn’t think once of the King in front of the match. It must be said that Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves were perfect in taking turns, without forgetting Rui Hachimura’s 21 points. The first dominated Domantas Sabonis in the paint, proving himself indispensable on both sides of the field, with numerous contested shots to protect the Angelino circle. An MVP caliber match (35 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) for the Unibrow. His friend on the backcourt can also be proud of his controlled game. He never hesitated to steal the Kings with his speed of penetration, always having an eye for finding unmarked friends. In addition to his 26 points, Reaves also set his career record with 16 assists! The rear remained on the cloud of his Christmas Day.
