Luka Doncic (42 points) is not enough against the Kings!

A day after the victory against the Rockets, the Kings offered themselves another team from the top of the table in the West, the Lakers (124-112). And this, despite 42 points from Luka Dončić. This 10th success of the season was achieved thanks to an excellent game DeMar DeRozan (32 points on 14/19 shooting) who, unlike his teammates, did not attempt even the smallest winning shot.

However, the 3-point shot was the key factor in this game. Like a Malik Monk released in practice with his 26 points, based on seven shots from distance (7/9, 9/15 on the shot overall). Russell Westbrook (22 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds) was also a significant contributor in this sector.

It goes without saying that the Lakers had too many offensive threats to watch. The beginning of the second half, after a fairly even first 24 minutes (61-54), clearly showed that. DeRozan, Westbrook and the rest showed ease in creating shots, facing a defense that allowed too often and was late in rotations.

Too many lapses in the Lakers’ defense

Result: In the middle of the third quarter, DeMar DeRozan found the “forgotten” Russell Westbrook in the corner, who sanctioned a three-pointer and offered the biggest gap in favor of his team (79-59). Luka Doncic and LeBron James tried to answer, getting as close as possible to the circle.

Also, relying on their pivots Deandre Ayton and Jackson Hayes, the guests scored more than half of the points in the opponent’s racket. Despite these internal efforts, the Lakers started the last quarter with a 12-point deficit (95-83).

They briefly looked to get under the 10-point mark, but with three minutes left, DeMar DeRozan drew a mid-range layup in front of Luka Doncic, then found Malik Monk open for a 3-pointer. The same Monk took the baseline to find Precious Achiuva in the opposite corner behind the arc. This inflicted 10-0 (122-104) killed the last hopes of the Lakers.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Kings on fire with 3 points. The least prolific team in the league from behind the arc at 10 points per night, Sacramento had an outstanding night, shooting 65% from distance on a whopping 17/26. Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook and Zach LaVine were the main contributors, while the team’s leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, did not make a single further shot. The monk we will notice passed almost as well as the entire opposing team (8/36). LeBron James, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart combined for 13 misses from long range, and Luka Doncic also suffered (2/9).

– Luka Dončić was “absent” in the fourth quarter. The Lakers’ leader scored 10 or more points in the first three quarters before fading in the final period. In the final, the Slovenian hit only four shots, with only one converted basket, and no passes at the free throw line. A surprising finish for him, after showing all evening how easily he can impose himself on the opponent’s racket.

– The enthusiasm of the Golden 1 center. The Kings may occupy the second last place in the West, with a terrible record (10v-30d), the Sacramento crowd, witnessing the second victory in a row at home, continues to show its enthusiasm. And local players don’t hesitate to harass them, like Dylan Cardwell who is still very communicative, or Prešas Ačiuva who celebrated his “dagger” 3-point shot in “money time”.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.