January 4. Since that date, the Lakers had not won in the NBA, suffering a series of defeats, but also matches postponed due to the deadly fires in Los Angeles. Finally, LeBron James’ partners took advantage of the arrival of the Heat to return to victory. A rather stunning success since the Lakers were trailing by 12 points at halftime.
The fault is Tyler Herro, irresistible in the first quarter, with his 11 points in five minutes, including this 3-pointer with first intention on a counter-attack. There is skill on both sides, with Rui Hachimura supporting Herro’s pace, and for a good five minutes, the two players give blow for blow (20-20). Then, Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo take over, even at 3-points. We don’t get bored for a second, and it’s Herro, again, who launches an 8-2 to allow the Heat to finish with four points in advance (36-32).
Tyler Herro in great shape
The Lakers are no longer there to the point of missing seven baskets in a row, like this Austin Reaves lay-up botched by Duncan Robinson on a “chasedown block”! On the other hand, Herro is still 100%, and still in first intention, and the Heat come away (61-48). Symbol of this one-sided second quarter, the discretion of LeBron James who waits until the last two minutes of the quarter to score. Even if Herro misses his first shot of the match, Miami has a good handle on the meeting with Jaime Jaquez Jr to end this first half with a 12-point lead (66-54).
Returning from the locker room, the LeBron-Reaves duo finally wakes up. In one minute, they scored 3 out of 3 from 3-point range, while Anthony Davis took care of protecting the circle. In five minutes, the Lakers came back to one unit (71-70). After a little slump, Herro gave it a boost to give the Heat some fresh air (83-73). But the Lakers managed to defend better to limit Miami to two small points in the last four minutes of the quarter (85-83).
It’s Gabe Vincent, well found by LeBron, who gives the Lakers the advantage (88-87) against his former teammates. His 3-pointer frees his teammates who engage in “show time” with Jaxson Hayes dunk, then Reaves who sends LeBron to the alley-oop (92-87). Alec Burks at mid-distance and Nikola Jovic at 3-points allow the Heat to get back on track (108-106). Moment chosen by LeBron James to kill the match. The forty-year-old plants seven points in a row to attack “money time”, and the Lakers are heading towards victory. The first after three losses in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
A skillful first quarter. 76% for the Heat and 66% for the Lakers. Like Tyler Herro, 4 out of 4 from 3-point range, the players had the compass in their eye to attack the match. The Miami shooter will completely take his first seven shots before cooling down.
A worrying defense. Even if the Lakers win, their defense remains problematic. Over 48 minutes, there are 10-12 minutes of correct defense, but the rest of the time, the rotations are poorly assured or the withdrawal lacks aggressiveness. Result, easy shots for the Heat.
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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.
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