Playing the second afternoon of a straight game and already without LeBron James (flu-like symptoms), the Lakers lost Anthony Davis after just one quarter to another left eye injury and in the end didn’t have enough intensity on the front court to slow down the Wolves fell into a 127-117 loss on Sunday night. The loss snapped the Lakers’ four-game winning streak and, after a day in eighth place, left the Lakers in ninth place and two games in the loss column with the Suns. and pelicans.
The Lakers fought hard in this case, battling a double-digit dip several times in the third and fourth quarters to reach single digits and push the Wolves. But they were never able to get over the hurdle, as Minnesota only had one answer each. and every run and the Lakers were too short on personnel to sustain the energy, effort and scores needed to scare the Wolves too much after building their lead. until adolescence.
The Lakers were led by Rui Hachimura, who scored 30 points on 11-17 shooting, adding 4 of his five attempts from the arc. Taking on a bigger offensive role without LeBron (then AD), Rui proved to be a tough canopy for the Wolves, drilling in groups of three, running mid-range from the post and after attacking the fences, and getting the ball hard to the edge in any transition and straight to midcourt. It was another brilliant match for Rui, who continues to show flexible offensive risk. He can be.
Alongside Rui up front, Jaxson Hayes also had a smart evening playing a bigger role due to AD’s injury. Hayes finished the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five steals in just over 32 minutes of play and showed just how much of an effect can be had on what can oppose a forged Wolves lead zone. Hayes ran well on the ground, finished strong on the edge with several dunks, and battled in both forums to make his presence felt. Simply a very clever feature from Hayes who answered the call with a lively production and game when asked to step up his efforts.
While Rui and Hayes admirably replaced their deceased teammates, it was more of a combo bag for the Lakers’ guards. On the plus side, Spencer Dinwiddie started in LeBron’s absence and played well in a superior usage role. Dinwiddie scored 18 points and dished out seven assists, making 4 of his seven shots from the box (3-of-5 from distance) and seven of his fumbles on the night. Spencer upped his aggression and did a smart job of hitting shots and giving the Lakers’ offense a boost.
D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, however, haven’t had as much good luck offensively, especially as scorers. Both had doubles with Reaves (14 points) and Russell (15 points), but neither figured out their rhythm and struggled with their efficiency. Austin connected on 4 of his 14 box attempts, while Russell made just five of 19. And while Russell was perfect as a passer (11 assists for a single turnover), the Lakers missed his score and shot at it.
On the Minnesota side, they were led by Naz Reid, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, who, in their own way, had their least difficult nights thanks to LeBron’s position and, more so, AD’s departure. Reid led the way for the Wolves with 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting, making it 6 of 8 from the arc. As the Lakers prepared in the paint to slow down Edwards’ workouts, Reid jumped and was spotted in the weak sideline corner for open jump shots. and made the Lakers pay over and over again.
As for Edwards and Gobert, they were both smart attacking the paint after AD came out, and Edwards also fired small defenders from mid-range in the pick-and-roll. But both were able to train physically in a way that Davis may have had at least a partial impact, but he wasn’t required to.
And finally, that’s the story of this game. The Lakers were going to have a big challenge against the Wolves, especially after it was announced that LeBron would not be gambling. But also squander Davis, who was up four in the box in his 12 minutes, after a quarter and then gamble. Short on staff as it was for the rest of the game, the team simply wouldn’t have enough to do it.
The Lakers will now look to regroup and get back to winning ways when they host the Warriors on Tuesday.
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