Coincidentally, the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons met in California just seven days after their heated duel in Michigan. This time, no expulsion, bloodied face for Isaiah Stewart or willingness to do a physical fight with LeBron James (who had struck him a blow to the arcade during a free throw). On the other hand, as at Little Caesars Arena, it was James and his teammates who won (110-106).
This result allows the Lakers to just return to balance this season: 11 wins-11 losses. But he was acquired in pain despite a lead that climbed to 19 points (77-58) at the end of the third period (35th) after an award-winning basket from Talen Horton-Tucker on an offering from LeBron James, concluding a scathing 21-2. The gap was still 17 units eight minutes from the final siren but nothing is ever easy for this Lakers team which is still looking for an identity and a style.
Spurred on by an untenable Jerami Grant (32 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists), the Pistons even glued to four then three small points in the last minute (108-104 then 109-106) but the Lakers have returned the necessary free throws (despite a weak 50% in this area in the fourth quarter) not to let the victory slip away and spoil the fine performance of his trio James-Westbrook-Davis.
LeBron James’ Abs Are Getting Better
In shooting difficulty this season, Anthony Davis had his most “skillful” match of 2021-2022 with 67% success (10 out of 15), compiling 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists but also three blocks and two interceptions. . Russell Westbrook was almost as effective (10 of 16 shooting) for 25 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.
Finally, LeBron James was not disturbed in the least by the context of the first leg and his expulsion to Detroit (the second only of his career, before he was suspended a game), planting 33 points ( 12 of 20) and delivering 9 assists (plus 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 against). As for Isaiah Stewart, he was copiously booed and hissed by the audience at the Staples Center and could not do better than a performance of seven points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. Her interactions with James have been limited or nonexistent.
Even if the opponent was not large (4 wins in 20 games for Detroit), the star of the Lakers was satisfied with this evening. “This victory, we needed it. We have shown that when we circulate the ball from one side of the field to the other, that the game does not stall, we are a very good team ”, detailed James who appeared grimacing after contact, visibly suffering from abdominal pain (a muscle injury there had deprived him of eight matches in early November). “It’s getting better and better, he reassured. I can still feel it after shocks especially when I attack the circle (as on the action in question) but the pain did not last. “
The Lakers will go to Sacramento, in a 100% Californian duel, Tuesday evening with the possibility of posting a positive balance sheet for the first time since November 15.
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