The Mavericks were defeated 127-110 by the Los Angeles Lakers thanks to outstanding performances from LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis. Actually, the game was much more of a blowout than the score indicates at the end.
With a 23-point advantage at the end of the game, all of LA’s starters rested for the last 4:44.
With Russell and James scoring 29 and 25 points apiece, Davis finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. This was LA’s fourth win in six games and their second consecutive victory over a top Western Conference team.
LA was shooting 43% from 3-point range as a team, making 1 more three-pointer than Dallas despite having 12 fewer attempts.
They also demonstrated improved ball movement, particularly in transition, as evidenced by their 33 assists, which is 6 more than their average for the game.
Here are some of the team’s best plays of the day. Kyrie Irving appeared to be struggling throughout the game, leaving the court briefly after colliding with LeBron James. His 4-16 shooting from the field was his lowest since December 1st, and his 12 points were his fewest since New Year’s Day, underscoring LA’s lockdown defense. Jarred Vanderbilt has looked great for the first two games, and if he plays at this level (which resembles what he did last season), he has the ability to swing the Lakers’ season and return this team to Western Conference Finals form.
