If you like offense, this was a game to watch. Actually, the NBA has been all about offense in the last decade or so.
In any case, there were hardly any stops until the all-important fourth quarter. Fans from both teams were calling for the referees’ heads but the finish had the Lakers defeating the Kings in Sacramento, 136-134.
The first three quarters were as close as they can get. The Kings led after one, 38-37. At halftime, the score was deadlocked at 73. And then it was tied again after the third quarter, 109-109. It was just an offensive game (you can take that however you want) from both teams. There were a lot of buckets being made.
At the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, though, the Lakers finally went on a 15-2 run. It was the first time for either team where there was an extended drought on the offensive end. But knowing how the Kings are, they came right back and tied the game at 124. Then we had another back-and-forth affair at the end.
With a minute left, De’Aaron Fox made a jumper and gave the Kings a 132-130 lead. However, LeBron James countered with a lay-up and got fouled by Domantas Sabonis (which disqualified him with that 6th foul). LeBron made the foul shot.
In the ensuing possession, Trey Lyles turned the ball over with 22 seconds left as the Lakers held a precarious one-point edge. Russell Westbrook was fouled immediately after in the next possession (which I thought should’ve been a continuation call since a similar call was made when he converted a lay-up in the first half). Westbrook split the foul shots and gave the Kings another shot.
Fox would tie the game at 134 afterwards. Then in the next possession, Dennis Schröder was fouled by Fox in 3.6 ticks left. The call was controversial, to say the least, and was upheld upon replay. Schröder made both foul shots and with no timeouts left, the Kings rushed up to the frontcourt. Fox missed a desperation three and even Kings fans swore he was fouled. Just a lot of chatter about the officials but, in the end, the Lakers came away with the duke.
What was remarkable about the Lakers is how they’re getting so many contributions from different players. Especially with Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker IV, Troy Brown Jr., and Anthony Davis all out. LeBron James continues to be a marvel. In his 20th year! LeBron went for 37-8-7 and had that clutch three-point play at the end. Thomas Bryant has been outstanding; he went for 29 points (12 for 14 from the floor) and 14 boards. Dennis Schröder continues to be on fire as he put in 27 points. Westbrook went for 23 points, 5 boards, and 15 assists off the pine.
Even with the guys that don’t have the gaudy stats have played well. We’ve seen Juan Toscano-Anderson play some hellish defense. Patrick Beverley has made some big shots. Kendrick Nunn did his thing against Atlanta. Wenyen Gabriel is full of energy, even though he was so overzealous that he fouled out in the third period. Even Max Christie has put in some good minutes.
The Lakers can still do better in taking care of the ball, though. 17 turnovers. Yikes. But they did dominate the paint, 70-48. They’re still getting it done inside. And they’ve continued to share the ball (26 assists).
The Kings were just offensive machines. I’ve raved about Fox’s ability (he scored 34) to be incredible in the clutch. Sabonis fouled out but this dude’s a double-double machine (25-12-7 on Saturday night). Keegan Murray is unflappable (16 points). Harrison Barnes is a great veteran (18 points). Kevin Huerter can shoot the lights out (17 points). Their obvious weakness right now is that they have to be better at the defensive end and I’m not sure if this current roster has guys that are capable of being lockdown defenders but when they get that defense, whether from within or through a trade, watch out.
Controversial or not, the Lakers came away with their fifth straight win. And they have another game on the road on Monday to make it three games in four nights before they go on an extended home stay.
The Lakers are back to being under two games under .500 at 19-21. I don’t think we really saw this coming after they got off to a 2-10 start. What a great recovery, especially since they’ve been missing some very good players. The Lakers have been resilient as hell as of late.
