The Spurs get a shocker against the Lakers

Duel at the top Western Conference between two consecutive lineups, and the Spurs won 107-91 against the Lakers, who were without LeBron James, rested to treat various physical issues. Facing triple-double Luka Doncic, Victor Vembanjama recorded a double-double, supported above all by the very good Keldon Johnson.

Maybe it was a warning, but the Lakers started the match with a loose ball… In contrast, Julian Champagne secures the goal and creates the first deficit (14-7). On the LA side, the absence of LeBron James forces Luka Doncic to be omnipotent. All the balls go through him and he tries to alternate shots and passes, like the one for the back alley of Jackson Hayes. After twelve minutes, the Spurs are ahead (26-23).

Victor Wembanyama gives the Spurs some breathing room, but Jake LaRavia comes out of his box with two game-winning baskets to give the Lakers the lead (32-30).

On his side, Luka plays Luka, but finds the answer in Keldon Johnson. Spurs’ usual sixth man is having a big night with the consistent impact, and he scored 14 points in the first half! In contrast, Luka Dončić suffers a blow, and the Spurs regain control and lead by five points at the break (48-43).

Wemby as a scarecrow

Returning from the locker room, De’Aaron Fox takes the game into his own hands, and the Spurs finally decide to play fast. That’s quite useful against the Lakers, whose defensive retreat remains problematic. Jared Vanderbilt tries to respond, with his usual energy, but the Spurs have too many weapons.

Stephon Castle is as tight as ever, and Wemby makes up for the turnover with tarps on Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton. The Lakers gave up, and the Spurs led by 11 points at the beginning of the last quarter (79-68).

Jake LaRavia opens the final quarter with another 3-pointer, but Victor Wembanyama answers twice and we see his relationship with Jeremy Sochan is intact. With Keldon Johnson still as impressive as ever, the Lakers are letting up, and Luka Doncic’s exploits are not enough. No doubt a little late, JJ Redick blows the whistle and his Lakers lose 107-91.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Mini-event for Wemby. Viktor Vembanjama has never beaten Luka Doncic since coming to the NBA. It’s over, and the Frenchman had a complete performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 blocks. It was off the bench with limited playing time, but it was mostly back-to-back and everything went well.

– Luka Dončić in triple-double. Lonesome, Luka Dončić has nothing to complain about with his 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. This is his 86th career triple-double. He tried his best to involve his teammates, and sometimes we told ourselves that he wasn’t personal enough because he had an advantage over every defender.

– End of series for the Lakers. After three straight wins, including two against the Grizzlies, the Lakers logically lost. Without Austin Reeves or LeBron James, JJ Reddick lacked the weapons to back up Luka Doncic.

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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; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.