Despite LeBron James’ 46 points, the Clippers beat the Lakers

Derby evening is also a reunion Los Angelesamong the “best enemies”. LeBron James (46 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Kawhi Leonard (25 points, 9 rebounds), as well as among former teammates Russell Westbrook (17 points, 5 assists) and Paul George (27 points, 9 rebounds).

Because there were no photos between the two teams on the ground Clippers he prevailed without coercion Lakers (133-115), hoping to make it one-sided in the first half. Although they tried, they managed to control their lead only after the break the return “Purple and Gold” is ultimately too short.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

— A fiery first half for the Clippers. Driven by insane overall shooting (64%) and outrageous 3-point success (15/22 or 68%!), Tyronn Lue’s men taught the Lakers a basketball lesson in the first period. In front of a good twenty points at halftime (77-54), they collectively rolled over their neighbors, not allowing them to breathe from the first minutes to the last minutes of this half. This collective display of strength, marked by the stamp of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson, made life easy for the Clippers in the second half.

— Stay up too late for the Lakers. LeBron James’ teammates struggled in this defensive first half as they tried to come back to score in the second half, but the pace was too high for them. Using a slightly lower address on the Clippers side, especially with 3 points, while theirs was rising thanks to LeBron, the “Purple & Gold” thought they could overwhelm their opponents in the fourth quarter, but Kawhi Leonard , Paul George and Reggie Jackson followed the grain. A true form of logical retardation and impotence.

— The Clippers streak continues. On July 30, 2020, the Clippers, undefeated against the Lakers since Orlando’s “bubble” era, won ten in a row against their California neighbors. It’s simple: Since Tyronn Lue took over head coach Instead of Doc Rivers from the Clippers, the latter no longer lost against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and others. Los Angeles is more blue, white and red than ever, and it has nothing to do with the presence of Nicolas Batum…

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ LeBron James. He hit the all-time record again, becoming the only player in history to score 40+ points against all 30 NBA teams and set a “career high” in 3-pointers in one game. Individually, but sadly very lonely collectively, the ‘King’ at full speed did everything to help the Lakers stay in touch in the first half and then hold the lead in the second half. Other than that, he couldn’t do much in the face of the Clippers’ collective power, and when it comes, it gives a new card to the four-time MVP in the void …

✅ Clippers Collective. Of course, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but also Norman Powell (22 points), Reggie Jackson (19 points, 5 assists) or Terance Mann (17 points). It’s an understatement to say that Tyronn Lue’s men have a lot to do offensively, as the threat can come from anywhere. With LeBron James behind LeBron James, the Lakers should have such a collective offensive power that they took many award-winning baskets from the Powell-Jackson-Mann trio, while the Leonard-George duo was responsible for punishing in the middle. at a distance or in the paint (or even remotely, for “PG13”).

⛔ Schröder/Beverley duet. We could also mention Russell Westbrook, whose shooting was far from inspired (4/13, including 1/4 from 3-pointers), but the 2017 MVP at least deserved to make up for his clumsiness, for example. line (8/13 shooting) and a few dice passes. On the other hand, Dennis Schröder and Patrick Beverley (10 points total, 4/17, including 2/9 3-pointers…) still in the lead were insufficient. Especially defensively, Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann, not to mention Norman Powell, because he favors them too…

⛔ Marcus Morris injury exit. The only downside for the Clippers side tonight: an injury to a winger who had noticeable rib damage and did not return to the game after his first-quarter exit. It certainly didn’t stop his team from winning, but his health will still need to be monitored, with Luke Kennard and John Wall already stuck in hospital.

NEXT

LA Lakers (22-26) : Back-to-back vs. San Antonio last night (4:30 a.m.) Wednesday through Thursday.

LA Clippers (26-24) : San Antonio reception, Thursday to Friday night (04:30).