The Cleveland Cavaliers need help to play any defense consistently. Let alone the defensive standard they have been used to the past two seasons.
Tonight was another example of giving up 120-plus points to the LA Lakers and, at times, looking disinterested in any defense.
Darius Garland left the game early with a neck injury after the Cavs welcomed Donovan Mitchell and Isaac Okoro back.
With 1:56 left in the game and the score at 113-112 LA, the Cavs scored only three more points and one field goal in that span.
In Saturday night’s game, Anthony Davis showcased his prowess by scoring 32 points, with an impressive 23 coming in the second half, and securing 13 rebounds. LeBron James contributed 22 points as the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a 121-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron, with six rebounds, six assists, and two steals, continued his dominance over Cleveland, marking his 18th win in 21 career games against them. Notably, the 39-year-old, who had a significant stint with the Cavaliers, winning the NBA championship in 2016, attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in nearby Akron.
Austin Reeves played a vital role for the Lakers, notching 15 points and 10 assists, while Christian Wood and Max Christie added 13 and 12 points, respectively. The Lakers, achieving their third consecutive road win, shot at an impressive 52.2%, with notable contributions from the bench players Reaves, Wood, and Hayes.
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s return for the Cavaliers after missing four games, he struggled with a 4-of-18 shooting performance, finishing with 22 points and six assists. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley contributed 21 points with 14 rebounds and 18 points with six assists, respectively.
Cavaliers’ point guard Darius Garland had to sit out the second half due to a neck strain resulting from a collision with Christie in the first quarter.
The Lakers established an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Cavaliers made a push, narrowing the gap to 113-112 on Mobley’s basket. However, the Lakers held on, with James making crucial plays, securing a 121-115 victory.
LeBron James, with a league-record streak of 1,167 double-digit scoring performances, extended his extraordinary career point total to 39,060 over 21 NBA seasons. Earlier in the day, a museum named “LeBron James’ Home Court” opened at his family foundation’s House Three Thirty in Akron, with admission set at $23 to match his uniform number.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised James, highlighting his achievements not only on the basketball court but also in the realms of business and education. The Cavaliers had an outstanding first quarter, leading 40-35, and maintained a narrow 71-70 advantage at halftime, marking their highest-scoring quarter and half of the season, respectively.
Up Next
Home vs Toronto on Sunday at 7:30 PM.
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