The Los Angeles Lakers played their first game since the season pause on March 11. They played against the Dallas Mavericks who are vying for the eighth seed in the Western Conference for the NBA Playoffs. On the other hand, the Lakers are the top seed in the Western Conference and are set to play the current eighth seed Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Playoffs.
The Mavericks defeated the Lakers with a score of 108-104. Here’s a recap from the Mavericks-Lakers game.
Dallas had the game’s first five points by making their defensive presence inside the paint. The Mavericks were also efficient from the three point line thanks to the shooting of Seth Curry. Yes, Seth Curry. They also had an 11-4 lead against the Lakers but they came back with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 11. The Lakers would take the lead at the end of the first quarter with a score of 29-22.
The second quarter was all about the Lakers. They executed better offensively being able to penetrate the lane even though Dallas tried to make the game close at times. The Lakers also forced eight Dallas turnovers which pushed their lead to as much as 13 points. Lakers forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the key players for creating the lead. But, their supporting cast also stepped up defensively which gave the Lakers that 13 point lead during the second half of the quarter. Los Angeles took the lead with a score of 55-44 heading into halftime.
James and Davis were done playing for the rest of the game. Lakers reporter Mike Trudell also reported that both James and Davis were only going to play the first half. Lakers guard Danny Green also sat out the rest of the game. The Lakers held their own in the first half of the quarter but the Mavericks came back to take over the quarter. Curry certainly contributed to the Mav’s 33-19 run scoring 13 of his 23 points of the game. The Lakers couldn’t find a way to push their lead the way they did in the second quarter. Dallas took the lead with a score of 77-74.
Second half starters are Cook, KCP, Kuzma, Dudley and McGee as LeBron, AD and Green all rest for the remainder of the game.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 24, 2020
The fourth quarter was probably the most interesting quarter throughout this game. The Lakers started to find the stride again though the Mavericks took control of the lead for the entire quarter. This quarter also featured many young players from both teams. Even though the Lakers lost the game, their young core and new players started to make a comeback at the 3:00 mark. Lakers guards Quinn Cook and J.R. Smith helped lead the near comeback scoring 9 of their 19 combined points. In conclusion, Dallas won the game with a score of 108-104.
Seth Curry: 23 points, 8-8 field goals made
Boban Marjanovic: 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Luka Doncic: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal
Justin Jackson: 13 points, 5 rebounds
Quinn Cook: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Javale McGee: 13 points, 2 rebounds
LeBron James: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
Anthony Davis: 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals
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