The New York franchise was, however, deprived of James Harden, hit in a thigh and then had to do without Kyrie Irving, excluded in the third quarter, for two technical faults, after an altercation with Dennis Schröder, the leader of Los Angeles, also asked to return to the locker room.
– –
The Lakers attacked very early, leading 13-4, after only three minutes of play. They kept this pace until the middle of the second quarter (49-41, 18th), then Brooklyn began to catch up. At the break, LA was only three points ahead (61-58). But, upon returning from the locker room, the Californian franchise moved forward and again widened a gap (88-71, 32nd).
– –
Drummond and Schröder take the Lakers
The Nets were then unable to respond and Los Angeles escaped, undoubtedly signing its most significant victory in several weeks and the loss of its two star players.
– –
In the absence of James and Davis, the Lakers were able to count on Andre Drummond (20 points, 11 rebounds), Dennis Schröder (19 pts before his exclusion) and Ben McLemore (17 pts). Eight LA players scored at least 10 points.
– –
In the ranks of the Nets, Kevin Durant, who was playing his second game after returning from injury, was effective with 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but not at full speed. Before being excluded, Kyrie Irving had managed to score at 18 points.
– –
Blake Griffin se rate
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 12, while Blake Griffin missed his game offensively (two points). Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot played nine minutes, for seven points and two rebounds.
– –
« Our aggressiveness in defense made the difference », Welcomed Drummond, recruited in recent weeks to solidify this sector. ” They were more intense physically, we were not competitive from that point of view. It’s a big lesson to learn “, For his part, said Steve Nash, the coach of the Nets.
– –
The Lakers will try to confirm their fine victory on Saturday against the New York Knicks on Monday. The same day, Brooklyn will try to redeem itself, at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
– – .
