Lakers bounce back with win over Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers came away with a big 119-101 win over the Spurs in San Antonio. This is one of LA’s best wins this season, with an all-around attack.
With that in mind, let’s break down the key takeaways from the Lakers victory.
Lakers Bench Production
The Lakers had a balanced attack, with seven players finishing in double figures. The bench unit has struggled for the Purple and Gold this season, but they had great production tonight.
D’Angelo Russell played well, finishing with 17 points and five assists, shooting 7-11 from the field and 3-6 from three. Russell had 14 points at the end of the first half and was vital in the win.
Max Christie was the other star off the bench, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block. Christie’s energy and impact on both ends of the floor was crucial.
The Lakers will need players like Russell and Christie to continue playing at a high level to take pressure off the starters.
THE LAKERS END THEIR 3-GAME LOSING STREAK 😭🚨 pic.twitter.com/Ulb5NQ3kAA
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 28, 2024
Dalton Knecht’s Return To The Starting Five
Head coach JJ Redick inserted rookie Dalton Knecht back into the starting lineup, and he took advantage.
Knecht had 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals while shooting 8-15 and 4-10 from deep. The 23-year-old has been an instant impact player and fits well in the starting lineup.
The Lakers are now 4-2 when Knecht is in the starting lineup, and we will see if Redick keeps him in the starting five moving forward.
Limiting Victor Wembanyama
LA’s defense played well, holding the Spurs to 101 points. It started with a great all-around defensive effort on Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama finished with 20 points but shot 9-20 from the field and 2-9 from distance. The Lakers switched one through five, and their help defense led to containing Wemby.
Lakers’ Strong Second Half
The Lakers have struggled in the third quarter throughout the season, especially in the last few games. However, they turned that around against the Spurs, winning the third quarter 34-30.
The Lakers also closed out strong, winning the fourth quarter 27-24. Having a complete game rather than one good half made all the difference.
The Lakers will look to build on this win as they head back to Los Angeles for a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
