The Lakers required a “get-right game” to conclude this six-game trip following their season-high five-game winning streak was snapped by the Indiana Pacers on Friday. This was in advance of a back-to-back stretch.
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Sunday. James tallied a season-high 40 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter.
James stated, “When you’re winning and in the zone, it’s an incredible sensation.” “That is the utmost importance to me.”
The Lakers (42-33) controlled the early stages of the contest, including holding the Nets scoreless for the first half of the first quarter, which gave them an early 17-0 lead. They extended that lead to 31-7 later in the quarter, and ultimately held a 72-46 advantage early in the third.
However, Cam Thomas (30 points and six assists) ensured that the Nets did not go down meekly by directing a 9-2 run that reduced Brooklyn’s fourth-quarter deficit to 90-79. One-eighth of the Lakers’ turnovers in the second half (11 in the third) assisted the Nets in regaining the lead.
Ham stated, “Dropped the rope in terms of our actions that established the lead.” “Exited in the third quarter after committing an excessive number of turnovers.”
Thomas made a three-pointer to reduce the Lakers’ lead to 90-82 to begin the fourth quarter.
Thereafter, James assumed control.
James scored consecutive three-pointers to give the Lakers a 96-82 lead with 10:50 remaining.
James maintained the Nets’ defense under duress by accumulating five points in the following three minutes prior to making his third and fourth three-pointers of the contest, one of which was a fadeaway from the right wing that gave the Lakers a 111-93 lead with 6:21 remaining.
With 2:57 remaining and the Lakers leading 114-98, he substituted out to a standing ovation from the Barclays Center patrons.
“In response to the fans’ appreciation, I simply strive to return the game to them,” James stated. “It was received exceptionally well. “I simply endeavor to provide reciprocation by engaging in high-level gameplay of the game that I most ardently enjoy.”
Similar to his career-high of nine 3s he attempted against the Clippers on January 24, 2023, James went 9-for-10 on three-pointers against the Nets.
“It is astounding,” exclaimed Ham. “Before his final stretch, I informed him in the huddle, and although we ultimately substituted him out, I am eternally grateful that he brought the cape along on the road trip.” “All nine of those threes were required.”
On threes, James is shooting a career-high 41.6%.
“On non-game days, I’ve been able to spend significantly more time on the floor,” James said. “My foot feels considerably improved. Last year, I didn’t have much time to revise extensively. There have been numerous occasions for me to be on the floor. You presumably observe me on the floor prior to each game, honing my craft and preparing for the contest. Thus, that has also been of great assistance. And simply attempting to maintain shot consistency by performing the exact same shot each time. “And simply work.”
14 rebounds and 24 points (9-for-12 shooting) were contributed by Anthony Davis. Rui Hachimura recorded a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds). Austin Reaves had twelve points, seven rebounds, and six assists, whereas D’Angelo Russell concluded with eighteen points, six rebounds, and six assists.
With two exceptions, all but two points of the Lakers’ total scoring came from their starters.
Gabe Vincent, who returned to the court after missing the previous 46 contests due to knee surgery on December 27, scored the only point for the bench with two.
The Lakers conclude their three-games, four-night road journey with games against the Washingtоn Wizards on Wednesday and the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
Davis stated, “You must find a way” in reference to the forthcoming back-to-back. “Our constant objective is to improve our standings and secure victories in basketball contests. However, the schedule remаins unchanged. There is no action that can be taken in response. We must ensure that we get sufficient recovery and prepare for two other teams in the same position that also have capable players.
“However, we must enter with the same strategy of establishing a quick defensive start and obtaining stops.” However, we must also learn from [Sunday] that we must improve our performance in the second half, in particular. And with a stronger start to the second half, we can maintain our lead while allowing our young players to play while our starters and some role players recover.”
..LeBron James has made it his mission to provide his mother with the best treatment possible in addition to an abundance of love and affection. After winning his fourth championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Orlando Bubble, James called his mother to thank her for everything that she had done for him. He gave her a call pretty early on, and they spoke for a long time after that. Among the first people he spoke to after making the call was her.