Festive atmosphere in Los Angeles, in the heart of a rather impatient crypto.com arena both to see its soldiers finally return to the floor for the NBA regular season, as much to celebrate the memory of Jerry West, at half-time, and as to see LeBron James and Bronny James in an official match. The opponent of the evening? The Wolves, Julius Randle version, Donte DiVincenzo version. The result? Victory for the Lakers, thanks to a great Anthony Davis (35 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 interception, 3 blocks at 11/23 shooting)
The start is quite classic for a season kick-off: awkwardness on the Lakers side, several lost balls on the Wolves side. We’re getting our bearings, but we’re going for it frankly, and that’s what marks the start of the match: two teams in training, but two teams getting into trouble. Especially LeBron, since the guy obviously filled his bottle in the fountain of youth. The only exception to all this is Rui Hachimura: the man gets very hot, very quickly.
Still just as athletically limited the other cyborg pic.twitter.com/jOcLexaFSy
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) October 23, 2024
It is in the second quarter that the meeting will experience its first change. The Lakers slammed a 15-0 like a freshly opened packet of Tuc, and Anthony Edward found himself particularly alone in providing the Wolves’ response. The Minneapolis leader tries to ring his teammates a little to concern them, but the gap is widened. With a 3-point address yet cataclysmic from the locals.
Anthony Edwards very furious, who tries to wake up his teammates with “WAKE UP” pic.twitter.com/UNoNYpNWIc
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) October 23, 2024
Note the beautiful shots taken by Dalton Knecht, the rookie was not afraid in pre-season and he continues on the same line. We will monitor this closely, because it is promising. The association with Jaxson Hayes is also validated by the editorial staff.
Belle connexion, Dalton Knecht pour Jaxson Hayes ! pic.twitter.com/gCaodEwT6p
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) October 23, 2024
And the new Wolves players, how are things going? Julius Randle discreet in attack, very visible in defense since he is the Lakers’ favorite target because of his very average efforts in this sector of play. A bad first, be careful all the same. For his part, Donte DiVincenzo is very inaccurate when shooting. Mixed in short.
Effort effort effort.
The Lakers are above EFFORT level.
Minnesota looks exploded and we started the season a few hours ago.
It’s just one match, but for JJ Redick and his players it’s very encouraging.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) October 23, 2024
Gradually, the Wolves are falling behind but the Lakers do not want to leave the right wagon, a victory would effectively allow them to erase a dirty curse: that of opening night matches, their last victory dates back to… 2016. Alas, Minny is completely back in the game at the dawn of the last quarter, thanks to a rediscovered collective game, in particular with Rudy Gobert as a control tower. Los Angeles gets some air via LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes. Hot money time coming, the first of the season? No.
No, because Anthony Davis is hot as hell. The Lakers pivot goes into demolition mode, and will finish his first match of the season with 35 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 interception, 3 blocks at 11/23 shooting. Very high level performance, highest total points during a Lakers opening night since Kobe Bryant in 2007 (45 points). while Anthony Edwards also guided the Wolves with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists at 10/24 shooting. Wolves who were not consistent enough collectively to win.
Next meeting for the two teams: Thursday at 4 a.m., at the Kings for the Wolves, and Saturday at 4 a.m., at home against the Suns, for the Lakers.
