The Lakers, with a great second half, cut the streak of their neighbors, who added 15 losses for just 12 assists.
Davis is looking for a pass to the opposition of Marcus Morris.
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The atmosphere at the Staples Center resembled that of the impending playoffs, where the two Los Angeles franchises could cross paths in a tie that elucidates the best team in the West. The Clippers, after six consecutive victories, welcomed the Lakers with just one stumble in the past 11 games. And the duel, decided by Anthony Davis '30 points and LeBron James' 28, did not disappoint the most demanding palates (103-112).
The Lakers, who had lost the previous two this year to their neighbors, sent another serious warning of his candidacy for the ring. And his stalwarts made themselves felt out loud. In the absence of 40 seconds, after a 2 + 1 from James who threw the blind to the game, the chants thundered: “MVP, MVP, MVP!”.
Doc Rivers' team, with a great defensive attitude, had controlled the situation until the break. Before the initial jump, the technician had dropped a few comments about the possibility of incorporating Joakim Noah, present in the pavilion. The situation seemed controlled for the Clippers, who reached a maximum income of nine points in the second quarter and went to rest with 53-49.
“Offensive intensity”
However, the Lakers' change of pace on the restart proved unapproachable. “We came out with more aggressiveness and offensive intensity,” revealed the inspired Davis. “It has been a very good weekend. From now on we must maintain this level for 48 minutes,” said James, who on Friday had beaten the Bucks by Giannis Antetokoumpo with 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
So Frank Vogel must have surrendered to the leadership of his star. “I wasn't here last year, but I've seen him dominate these two games against opponents of tremendous stature,” said the Lakers coach.
“If you don't move the ball well …”
The Clippers' efforts were useless, with all their arsenal healthy on the track. Little could be reproached for Paul George (31 points), Kawhi Leonard (27) or Montrezl Harrell (20), however unable to bear the 6-14 of the last quarter that the battle decides (87-99).
Rivers couldn't hide his anger at his men's 15 losses, who only racked up 12 assists. “When you don't move the ball well, you can't win these kinds of games,” the Clippers' coach endorsed. On his agenda, Tuesday's Oakland engagement against the Warriors. The Lakers, meanwhile, host the Nets that same night. The first of his three consecutive games at Staples.
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