The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a much-needed 113-100 win over divisional rivals, the Sacramento Kings tonight. This win helped the Lakers claim from No. 10 to No. 7 in the West standings and prompted head coach JJ Redick to describe it as his favorite win of the season in his post-game presser.
JJ Redick: “This might be my favorite win we’ve had all season.’ Mentions the defensive effort and across-the-board contributions on a night the Lakers didn’t shoot it well.”
Austin Reaves led the team in scoring with 25 points (7-14 FG) along with five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Anthony Davis had 21 points (7-20 FG), 20 rebounds, three steals, and six blocks in the first 20-20 with five blocks game in the NBA since 2019. LeBron James had 19 points (8-21 FG), six rebounds, and seven assists in the win where he became the NBA’s all-time leader in minutes played.
Max Christie was the only starter to score less than 10, but his eight points (1-3 FG) came with excellent defense, justifying JJ Redick’s recent decision to move him into the starting five. D’Angelo Russell had a solid 16 points (7-15 FG) off the bench while Gabe Vincent had one of his few hot shooting nights with 12 points (4-5 3PM).
The team was clicking offensively while also handling business defensively against the high-scoring Kings. De’Aaron Fox was the only King to score 20+ with 26 points (7-17 FG). Domantas Sabonis had 18 points (8-13 FG), 12 rebounds, and nine assists, while Malik Monk put up 17 points (7-15 FG). DeMar DeRozan (4-13 FG) and Keegan Murray (4-11 FG) both had disappointing 10-point outings.
The Lakers were having a wooden offensive night, putting up 38-93 from the field and going 12-33 from three-point range as a squad. Such average offensive performances have sunk the team in games this season, but their defense showed up with Anthony Davis as the fulcrum controlling everything on that end.
Even though the Kings shot more efficiently than the Lakers, going 37-82 (40.9 FG%) from the field and 11-29 (36.4 3P%) from three, they couldn’t match up to the Lakers shot volume created by great defense.
They out-rebounded the Kings 52-43 while forcing them into 15 turnovers as well. It was a gritty win and one which sets a terrific tone for the team going forward.
They will face the Kings again on Saturday night, so hopefully Redick can keep the team’s mojo alive for what will be another crucial win.
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