Liberation for Russell Westbrook – and for the Los Angeles Lakers? The former MVP smashed a Dunk of the Year candidate over Rudy Gobert through the trap in a 101-95 win over the Utah Jazz. In a final phase, LeBron James & Co. secured success.
Los Angeles Lakers (22-22) – Utah Jazz (29-15) 101:95 (BOXSCORE)
The Lakers ended their three-game losing streak against a western rival while putting on a commanding show for their home fans, led by a dunk that should be featured in all highlights for at least all week.
After a fake screen from James, Westbrook shot into the zone at full speed and exploded over the waiting Gobert. For his celebration and the associated trash talk against Gobert, Westbrook was cautioned with a technical foul.
After the game, the recently ailing Westbrook sent a declaration of war afterwards. “It happened to Gobert tonight. But it can happen to any other player any night,” Westbrook said.
In addition to the dunk and an important three-point play in the final minute, the guard couldn’t celebrate too many successful actions, he scored 15 points (5/14 FG), 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Things went better for LeBron, who, in addition to 25 points (9/20 FG, 3/8 3P), had 7 rebounds and assists each and, with his flexibility, provided the tactical advantage in the final phase.
There, the nominal starter in the center position Dwight Howard no longer played a role, James mostly defended Gobert and in attack made sure that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year was no longer able to protect the ring optimally because he had to defend James on the three-point line .
Lakers dominate with James at center
That opened the door for Stanley Johnson, who kept scoring ringside in the fourth quarter, 10 of his 15 points (7/9) coming in the closing period. Coming off the bench, Malik Monk (14, 7 rebounds) and Talen Horton-Tucker (11) also got double digits. Carmelo Anthony was absent from the Lakers for a third straight season with lower back problems.
On the other side, Mike Conley (20, 5/9 3P) was the top scorer, Gobert was quite successful with 19 points (6/8 FG) and 16 rebounds and made Howard look bad for a long time until the Lakers center was ordered to the bench . Donovan Mitchell struggled with his shot (6/19 FG, 0/8 3P) and scored 13, as did Royce O’Neale.
Instead of shooting a lot to the basket, the Lakers were content with a few jumpshots at the beginning of the game, enough of which were enough for a 13:9 lead. As almost to be expected with this suboptimal choice of shots, the success quickly faded and the Lakers only scored again three minutes later, Utah won the quarter with 25:24.
The Lakers also got off to a better start in the second quarter and quickly moved up to +10, after which both teams did little on offense for a few minutes. The game, which was babbling along a bit, was then abruptly shaken up by Westbrook’s hammer via Gobert, Utah reduced it to 46:52 at half-time.
Jazz give up leadership
After halftime, both teams continued to exchange shots, neither team pulled away. It was only at the end of the third quarter that the Jazz managed a 9-0 run, giving them a 78-72 lead in the final section. There, Johnson suddenly turned up, who kept getting through to the ring.
At the end of a 17:4 run by the Lakers, Austin Reaves struck with one of the most spectacular tip-ins of the year when he jumped after his own miss after a floater just inside the free-throw line and put the ball over the board and into the basket with his left hand.
The Lakers were leading by +4 with just under 4 minutes to go, and Johnson again provided the next big play. After his offensive rebound, he found Avery Bradley in the corner for the Dagger to make it 95-89 the Jazz were then no longer within striking range.
Johnson later admitted that James encouraged him to keep attacking the matchup with Gobert. “LeBron is a smart player,” was the conclusion of the swingman, who is currently still playing for the Lakers on a 10-day contract.
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