[ad_1]
Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
One night after failing to complete a late comeback against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers had little trouble defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, claiming a 100-86 victory Friday at Staples Center.
After previously missing nine games due to COVID protocols, followed by extra time to speed up his conditioning, big man Marc Gasol made his second straight start after recording five points and two rebounds in 15 minutes on Thursday.
The win ended a four-game losing streak and gives Los Angeles (29-17) their first win since LeBron James suffered a sprained right ankle against the Atlanta Hawks on March 20.
It’s been tough for LA without James and Anthony Davis (calf), but things seem to be getting easier now that Gasol is back in the rotation. That was the case on Friday with Cleveland (17-28) in town for the only time of the year and starting goalie Collin Sexton missing with a hamstring injury.
Notable performers
Montrezl Harrell, C, Los Angeles Lakers: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Dennis Schroder, PG, Los Angeles Lakers: 17 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals
Larry Nance Jr., PF, Cleveland Cavaliers: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
Jarrett Allen, C, Cleveland Cavaliers: 13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
Lakers’ surge in third quarter lowers cavs
For the first time since LeBron James was injured a week ago, the Lakers have finally been able to build a double-digit lead against one of their opponents.
When you miss two of the best players in the league, and on a four-game losing streak, sometimes it’s the little things that help restore confidence that things will get better. Of course, a clash with one of the worst teams in the league will also help.
Despite struggling during a first half in which Los Angeles only made a three-point pointer 93 seconds before halftime, the Lakers couldn’t help but flee the Cavs with a defense. lockdown and an increase in third quarter scores.
LA opened the second half on a 19-6 run in seven minutes that saw the Cavs shoot one for their first 16 from the floor. Combined with a few late turnovers that led to some transitional dunks by the Lakers, that was more than enough to lock in a much-needed victory after an unmistakably difficult period.
The four-game losing streak was the longest of the season in Los Angeles. Fortunately for the reigning champions, this record will stay intact for a bit longer.
Gasoline continues to soar
Even before the Lakers took to the court, things started looking a bit more optimistic for head coach Frank Vogel & Co. with word that Anthony Davis was allowed to step up his rehabilitation on the pitch. While there is still no definitive timeline for the All-Star’s return, it was a much-needed update for a club that has seen too many negative health updates in recent days.
Dave mcmenamin @mcten
The latest on what the Lakers are saying about AD: “Anthony Davis was re-examined by the team’s medics earlier this evening. He continues to make progress in his recovery and has been allowed to advance his judicial work. Additional updates will be provided where appropriate. “
But just because Davis is getting close to a comeback doesn’t mean fans should expect a lot from him right away when he returns. Judging by how LA uses Marc Gasol on his return from a long hiatus, the Lakers might continue to slow things down with Davis for a bit once he gets back in the rotation.
For the second night in a row, Gasol played just 15 minutes after Vogel inserted him into the starting line.
The offense has rarely passed through the big man as he continues to get back into shape.
Instead, Gasol went 2-for-3 off the floor with four runs, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, two turnovers and three fouls.
It’ll be an adjustment – an adjustment that hopefully won’t take too long for Los Angeles – but it also shows the Lakers are willing to be patient with key players getting injured.
Plenty straddles the comeback of James and Davis. They just won’t be asked to deliver everything right away.
what next
The Lakers host another under-.500 club Sunday at 10 p.m. ET when the Orlando Magic visit the Staples Center as the Cavs head north to take on the Sacramento Kings at 10 p.m. ET. It’s the third stop in a four-game road trip for Cleveland.
[ad_2]
Source link