The Los Angeles Lakers finally defeated the Los Angeles Clippers after 11 consecutive losses in the city’s rivalry game.
An offensive rhapsody
The Clippers made a strong start to the game, holding a 13-point lead at the end of the first quarter, which they maintained through halftime. At one point, they even had a 19-point lead, and the Lakers’ performance reminded fans of their struggles from the beginning of the previous season.
Then came a complete turnaround in the third quarter, which the Lakers won convincingly with a 39-24 score. The Clippers completely relinquished their lead, and it’s worth noting that in this game, defenses didn’t dominate. It was an offensive showcase.
A fantastic fourth quarter and overtime period where the superstars came to play
In the final quarter, the Lakers managed to build a nine-point lead, and it seemed like LeBron James and Anthony Davis were perfectly controlling the game, signaling an end to their 11-game losing streak in this rivalry. However, that’s when Paul George emerged, scoring 20 points in the final quarter, eight of which were in the last minute!
Paul George’s heroics
We truly enjoyed a game in which some of the best players of our generation dominated, including Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
George’s heroics in the final minute undoubtedly stole the show, but in the first meeting since 2020 and the famous “bubble,” LeBron and Leonard were the main focus. In the final minute of overtime, Austin Reaves also made an appearance, scoring four consecutive points that provided the Lakers with a crucial advantage.
Westbrook was fired up against his former team and demonstrated that he’s not to be underestimated just yet
The winners were led by LeBron James with 35 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks (13-19 field goals, 4-8 from three-point range), Anthony Davis with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks (10-18 field goals), and D’Angelo Russell with 27 points.
The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard with 38 points, six rebounds, and five assists (15-28 field goals), Paul George with 35 points and six rebounds (11-16 field goals, 6-9 from three-point range), and Russell Westbrook with 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and six turnovers.
Westbrook was particularly fired up against his former team, showing that he won’t easily surrender the starting position to newcomer James Harden.
The Lakers and Clippers now have a 3-2 record in the NBA.