The Lakers defeated the Wizards 134-131 in overtime the previous night, averting what would have been one of their more dismal losses. This came the night after they had pulled off one of their most impressive comeback victories of the season. The Lakers are able to maintain their lead in the western standings after the game, taking them to five games over.500 on the season.
Despite having lost their previous twelve games, the Wizards almost stole the show in this one as four players scored 20 points or more, including 34 from Jordan Poole, who came off the bench. With 20 points and 10 rebounds, former Laker Kyle Kuzma recorded a double-double, and forward Deni Avdija played a strong and well round game with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists.
So, the Wizards deserve the most recognition. They played with a lot of intensity the entire night, racing the floor in transition and doing well to launch their offensive attacks swiftly and forcefully to pressure the Lakers defence and capitalise on what appeared to be a combination of physical exhaustion and a general lack of interest that seemed to be the reason behind their opponent’s recent difficulties.
The Lakers were able to establish a rhythm on the opposite end of the court because the Wizards’ defence was unable to get the stops they needed, despite their offensive prowess. Anthony Davis was the most important of those Lakers, leading the way with a game-high 40 points.
The Lakers were able to establish a rhythm on the opposite end of the court because the Wizards’ defence was unable to get the stops they needed, despite their offensive prowess. Anthony Davis, who scored a game-high 40 points on 14 of 22 field goals and 12 of 13 foul shots, was the main player for those Lakers. while Davis attacked from the mid-range, the post, and while diving to the hoop after a pick-and-roll, Washington had no answers.
