With every game crucial to where the Lakers fall in the standings, there is pressure to win whenever they step on the court. The Lakers handled that pressure in a 120-109 win against the Timberwolves.
What may be more impressive is the historic display Anthony Davis provided Sunday night. The Brow became the first player in NBA history to finish with 25+ points, 25+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ steals, and 3+ blocks.
Prior to the fourth quarter, the game went back and forth. Every time the Lakers were slipping away from Minnesota’s grasp, they made a bad turnover which seemed to lead to a Naz Reid bucket on the other end.
At halftime, the Lakers had 10 turnovers which was a big reason for why the Timberwolves were able to hang around. Alexander-Walker had an emphatic dunk which gave them 14 points off Laker turnovers.
The third quarter saw the same sloppy play from Los Angeles. After the Lakers took a 13-point lead, Minnesota was able to capitalize off Laker mistakes and eventually retake the lead which the Timberwolves carried into the fourth quarter.
After 14 lead changes, the Lakers were able to construct a 21-4 run in the fourth quarter behind Davis. His rebounds led to the push in offensive tempo and vigorous and-ones.
There was often energy for the Lakers on the defensive end, and it is apparent that effort is the key to a Lakers victory. What may be even more critical to the Lakers’ success, would be the production of their starters.
Davis, LeBron, Russell, Hachimura and Reeves all scored in double figures for the purple and gold. If this can be a consistent trend, it could be pivotal in how far the Lakers go this season.
Jaxson Hayes, who came up big against the Timberwolves with nine points and five rebounds can be a spark off the bench which the Lakers need, especially at the center position when Davis is off the floor.
Efficient offensive scoring along with energy brought on both sides of the floor can be a championship recipe if the Lakers can replicate it on a nightly basis.
A cornerstone to that success is Laker big man, Anthony Davis who has the potential to carry the Lakers in a playoff run. After the game, he was asked about his confidence in playing the NBA’s top teams. “We’re confident in our group, we know that we can line up against anybody and win if we play the right way.”
He also mentioned what his keys to a Laker victory are, “Defend first, share the basketball, and most importantly just have fun.”
Fun is what usually comes after the Lakers play high-energy defense and spread the ball. The Lakers look to continue their energetic play against the Kings who have their number as of late.
Stay tuned for more Lakers news and updates. Make sure to also check out more Game Haus content with groundbreaking news around the professional and esports world.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
