They did it! After going into overtime in each of the last three games, the Lakers finally won by regulation, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 115-105 at the Staples Center on Friday.
But this game started a lot like the last three for the Lakers: a slow start followed by a handful of races, but none that could get them past the obstacle. The Grizzlies had a 20-2 run to start the first quarter and ended the period with a 15-point lead.
The Lakers did not reach their first advantage in the game until the third quarter was less than a minute away, but they won all quarters, wait for the first. They also never lost the lead after winning it. The Lakers outperformed the Grizzlies by 41-23 in the third quarter and 28-23 in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Davis had a strong comeback on Friday, scoring 35 points and 8 rebounds in 35 minutes. He was wearing a hiking boot when he was on the bench, but when he was on the ground, he looked as agile as anyone. It’s not too late to catapult him beyond Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard for All-Star votes at the Western Conference, you know!
Kyle Kuzma was also extremely valuable to the Lakers off the bench on Friday, scoring 20 points and catching 10 rebounds. Kuzma had more points and rebounds than any of the unnamed nominees LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined. He looks like he’s having fun there now.
But the real winner on Friday night was not the Lakers; it was LeBron James, who played under 40 minutes for the first time since February 4. James insisted that his body was feeling well during this difficult period, but it is honestly tiring just watching it. The Lakers owed him to keep this game contained in four quarters. He also did his part, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
With a win on Friday, the Lakers ended their five-game home game with a 5-0 record and extended their winning streak to seven games. They will now be back on the road for the first time in two weeks to face the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena on Saturday, looking to turn their streak of seven wins into eight games one.
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