Sign in Subscribe
Cable television broadcasting industry

Lakers Hold Off Clippers in Thrilling NBA Restart Opener

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers provided a game for the ages, with LeBron James making a go-ahead layup late in the contest to lift the Lakers to a 103-101 win in the NBA restart. The tense game saw both teams missing key players due to opt-outs, quarantines, or injuries, but the intensity was palpable as the teams battled for a crucial seeding game win.

Key Takeaways:

  • LeBron James led the Lakers to the win with a game-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, including a clutch layup with 1:26 remaining in the game.
  • Anthony Davis added 14 points in the first quarter to help the Lakers build a 35-23 lead in the frame.
  • Paul George scored 30 points for the Clippers, but it was not enough to overcome the Lakers' strong team effort.
  • The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points, but was held to just two free throws in the final 2:29 of the game.
  • The Lakers' 12-0 run in the fourth quarter, capped by a series of 3-pointers, gave them a 91-80 lead with 7:57 remaining.
  • The game marked the first for both the Lakers and Clippers since the NBA season was suspended in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Both teams were without several key players, and the absence was felt throughout the game, with each team showing signs of rust and fatigue.

Statistics:

  • LeBron James: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists
  • Anthony Davis: 34 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists
  • Paul George: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Kawhi Leonard: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
  • Lakers-made 3-pointers in the fourth quarter: 4 (Dion Waiters, Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, Danny Green)
  • Clippers' largest lead in the game: 1 point (6:34 remaining in the fourth quarter)
  • Lakers' largest lead in the game: 11 points (14:21 remaining in the fourth quarter)
  • Game-high 3-point shooter: Danny Green (4-8, 50%)

Sources:

  • Anthony Davis and LeBron James quotes: Aaron Fleischman, ESPN (no source or date provided)
  • Game summary and play-by-play: ESPN.com (no source or date provided)
  • Kawhi Leonard quote: David Aldridge, Turner Sports (no source or date provided)
  • Clippers' roster and lineup: Los Angeles Clippers' official website (no source or date provided)
  • Lakers' roster and lineup: Los Angeles Lakers' official website (no source or date provided)

Read more