Davis Dominates First Quarter
In a high-scoring showdown against the Pacers, Anthony Davis led the charge for the Lakers with 15 points and 8 rebounds in the first quarter. However, despite Davis’s efforts, the Lakers trailed 30-36 after the first quarter, marking the lowest combined score of the game.
Explosive Lakers Offense
The Lakers quickly turned the tide in their favor with a balanced offensive attack, as four players scored over 20 points. Anthony Davis led the charge with an impressive 36 points and 16 rebounds, propelling the Lakers to a season-high 150 points and a 5-point victory over the Pacers.
Breaking the Russell Curse
Despite recently breaking the franchise record for most three-pointers in a season, D’Angelo Russell did not play in this game. The Lakers, who were winless in five games without Russell this season, managed to break this streak and secure their third consecutive win.
Sharpshooting Duel
Both teams showcased high shooting percentages, with field goal percentages exceeding 55%. The Pacers also maintained a 50% three-point shooting rate, with late-game three-pointers from Haliburton and Toppin narrowing the deficit to just 3 points in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Reaves’ Free Throw Precision
Austin Reaves sealed the victory for the Lakers by going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the closing seconds of the game. He finished with a season-high 25 points, shooting 11-of-12 from the free-throw line, which proved crucial in deciding the outcome of the game.
James and Dinwiddie Shine
LeBron James contributed 26 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie, starting in place of Russell, delivered his best performance since joining the Lakers, scoring 26 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting.
Pascal Siakam’s Effort
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the team with 36 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Myles Turner with 20 points and T.J. McConnell with 17 points and 7 assists. However, Tyrese Haliburton, who hit consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter, was limited to just 12 points and 10 assists.
Looking Ahead
This game marked the first meeting between the Lakers and the Pacers since their inaugural mid-season tournament in December last year. The Lakers struggled after winning the championship, posting a record of 22 wins and 13 losses. Currently, they sit in 9th place in the Western Conference, trailing the 6th-seeded Suns by three games. Up next, the Lakers will face the formidable Bucks in their upcoming matchup. (Jilikoa)
