The Los Angeles Lakers returned home after an impressive 5-1 road trip to take on a rebuilding Brooklyn Nets team on Friday night.
This was the second and final meeting between both teams, as Los Angeles took Game 1 in a 125-109 blowout. Odds remained heavily in the Lakers’ favor as Brooklyn came in with a nine-game losing streak and only won one game in their last 10.
The Nets hung in tough, but behind another masterful showing from Luka Doncic with 41 points, the Lakers secured a 116-99 win in a game that was closer than the final score suggets.
Notably, Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton made their respective returns while Marcus Smart, Adou Thiero remained sidelined.
The first game after a long trip can be challenging, but L.A. came out strong with a 19-7 lead. The Nets responded with a run of their own. Doncic put up 14 points, LeBron James chipped in seven as they took a 35-30 lead heading to the second quarter.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn continued their positive momentum to take a 41-37 lead as the Lakers struggled offensively without Doncic and Austin Reaves in. Combined with pace and 3-point attempts, the Nets presented challenges with a 16-4 run.
When the starters returned, order was restored, but not for long. Their defense let them down with an inability to finish possessions with a rebound or contain paint penetration.
Then insult to injury, Nolan Traore hit a 3-point heave at the buzzer to cut L.A.’s halftime lead to two, 61-59. Doncic had 24 points, James contributed 11 and Hachimura put up six off the bench.
Coming out of the locker room, the Lakers continued to let Brooklyn hang around, taking back the lead at 75-74. It was mainly Nic Claxton and Ziare Williams who provided plenty of rim pressure.
Notably, Doncic received his 16th technical foul after an altercation with Williams, resulting in what will likely be a one-game suspension. The Lakers were primed for an unlikely dog fight, up 85-84 heading into the fourth quarter.
After a subpar first three quarters, Reaves showed signs of life by hitting three 3-pointers in the final frame. L.A. got into the bonus, allowing them to get back up double digits at 110-99.
Brooklyn’s offense lost steam after struggling to get consistent defensive stops. Reaves and Doncic delivered back-to-back dagger 3-pointers, which allievated the pressure of potentially losing against a rebuilding team.
What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers remain in Los Angeles to take on the Washington Wizards on Monday night, which is the first night of a home back-to-back.
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