These Lakers are capped, but what heart… Never give up, never get used to the idea of sinking into the red zone, as if they were refusing the decadence that inevitably awaits them and – given the numbers – almost programmed. “Another” victory. This time in Portland, against a direct opponent in “I’m trying to save something, I don’t know what, but I’m trying”. Debrief.
The pretty house boxscore is by ICI !
Over a good period, the solidarity within this workforce can be fabulous.
Russell Westbrook at 29 points in the last game, Memphis on the mat, then Thomas Bryant who took over in Portland when his teammate only shot at 3/13. For once, it’s a good time. The impression that LeBron James is going from “completely alone” at “surrounded” in a snap of the fingers. This was already the case at the end of November / beginning of December, when the Lakers recorded eight victories in ten games. It only took his teammates a burst of ability to allow LeBron to continue to believe in his (last) dreams. In Portland, the old bone started out taking justice on its own by slamming 37 points at 14/27 shooting11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in 36 minutes of play. Mammoth statistical line, but which we have already experienced in vain in matches « sans » for the rest of the workforce. Not tonight: Thomas Bryant landed a scrap double-double with 31 points at 12/15 shooting including… 4/5 you parking14 rebounds and +22 plus/minus. The 25-year-old inside usually only attempts one long shot per game. New arrow to his bow, to deviate him has succeeded well.
What a night for Thomas Bryant:
– 31 points
– 14 rebounds
– 4 threes
– 80% FG
– 25 point Lakers comeback W pic.twitter.com/xrSw14QnD7— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2023
But to go up a 25 point deficit at halftime, it takes more than a good interior. We need moldy opponents.
We regret the Damian Lillard clutch and arsonist, but when his watch is broken it doesn’t hurt a lot: “only” 24 points at 5/17 in shooting for the n°1 of Chauncey Billups, saved by his eleven successes on the line of throws. Performance at odds with that of the youngster Anfernee Simons, author of 31 units at 7/13 from 3-point range. The reason for this discrepancy? The Lakers sent Pat Beverley in defense on queen (+27 from plus/minus for the mad dog). Meanwhile, Simons was playing his best score at the less defensive and more sympathetic Dennis Schroder. So we ended on a note of merry fool, with Pat Beverley pointing to his imaginary watch. Of trashtalking crazy old man. But hey, he kept the leash on the franchise player opponent in an important match. Let him at least have that joy.
Big performance from the Lakers who put Portland one victory behind. It was badly embarked, but Darvin Ham’s group played their most underestimated card of all: that of solidarity. Thank you Thomas Bryant and Pat Beverley for “the rest of the work”.