As 2024 draws to a close, the NBA’s attention turns to Los Angeles where the league-topping Cavaliers prepare to take on the Lakers in the final game of the year this Tuesday.
On New Year’s Eve, the Cavaliers arrived in LA fresh off an emphatic defensive display, having neutralized the Golden State Warriors with a crushing 113-95 victory in the Bay. The victory came on the second day of a back-to-back series and was a demonstration of Cleveland’s defensive power, limiting Golden State to a meager 33 shots made on 99 attempts.
Note that this victory marks the third time this season that the Cavaliers with their explosive attack have kept their opponent below the 100 point mark. Over the past two weeks, they have triumphed over the 76ers (126-99 on December 21) and the Warriors, extending their current streak to seven consecutive victories. Overall, Cleveland has been on fire, recording 11 wins in their last 12 games, marking an unprecedented start to the season.
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“This year has been a rollercoaster. We’ve had our ups and downs, but right now we’re definitely on the upswing,” said Darius Garland, who was the star player Monday with 25 points. “We aim to maintain this momentum as we move towards 2025.”
On the other side, the Lakers aren’t far behind, having recorded five wins in their last six games, including a tough 132-122 win over the Sacramento Kings last Saturday. With LeBron James benched due to illness, Anthony Davis shined with a powerful performance, posting 36 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists. Austin Reaves was also in great form with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, proving that the Lakers can adapt when necessary.
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However, concerns remain over the availability of James and Davis (who is recovering from a sprained left ankle) as they are currently listed as questionable for the game against the Cavaliers.
To bolster their roster, the Lakers recently made a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Although Russell has struggled, averaging 41.5% shooting this season, Finney-Smith (10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds in 20 games) and Milton (7.4 points in 27 appearances) should provide a new energy.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field to play matches that matter. It’s been a while,” Finney-Smith said while awaiting her new challenge. James echoed the sentiment, praising the new signings for their experience and ability to perform under pressure. “They have played in meaningful matches and understand their roles. I can’t wait to see how they fit into our system,” he added.
If available, the newcomers will certainly give the Lakers additional depth as they face a Cavaliers team known for its balanced and powerful offense. Leading the Cleveland offense are Donovan Mitchell, who averages 23.6 points per game, and Garland with his 20.7 points, supported by a team that has six players scoring in double figures.
