Anthony Davis and his teammates were in a laughing mood in the corridors of the Frost Bank Center on Wednesday evening after their quiet victory against San Antonio (119-101). We can understand them since they had three defeats in a row, including a final slap received the day before on the floor of Phoenix (127-100).
The team coached by JJ Redick (40 years old) built its success against the Spurs near the basket where it scored 57 points and took 50 rebounds, well helped by its interior Anthony Davis (31 years old), central point of the attack throughout the game (19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists).
“The bench made the difference”
JJ Redick, coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
Already in the lead at the break (58-47), the Lakers accelerated after returning from the locker room thanks to their bench, rookie Dalton Knecht in the lead, author of 10 of his 20 points of the evening after the break. It was he who gave the Lakers a definitive lead of 19 points (115-96) 3’33” from the end on a new winning shot (4/10 at three points over the entire match) precipitating the departure of many fans present at the Frost Bank Center. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who replaces Gregg Popovich who is still recovering from his stroke, then sent his replacements onto the floor for a final victory for the Lakers.
« I am very proud of my group. The bench made the difference, that’s what we expected with this second match in two days » commented JJ Redick afterwards. LeBron James (39) finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. D’Angelo Russell (28) added 17 points.
« I think we should focus more on making the right choices sometimes, especially me. Without these foundations, our youth takes over » reacted Victor Wembanyama after the match. The French interior of the Spurs (20 years old) finished the match with a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks), but was clumsy in shooting (only 2/9 behind the arc), notably rushing a few shots from afar.
The other Frenchman from Spurs Sidy Cissoko (20 years old) did not score any points in three minutes spent on the floor. His compatriot and Lakers player Armel Traoré (21 years old) scored 2 points in 2’49”. San Antonio returns to defeat after winning its last four matches (record of 10 wins, 9 losses). The Lakers now have 11 victories in 18 games.
