Julius Randle messed around and got his second triple-double of the season, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-102 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
It was an altogether impressive performance from the Lakers who notched one of their most complete games of the season. LA seemingly scored at will against the number one ranked defense in the NBA and played an improved brand of defense.
The Lakers were especially strong as it pertained to their starting unit. D’Angelo Russell set the offense up beautifully with his six assists and countless hockey assists. He, along with Nick Young, spaced the floor to the tune of 12 combined threes, as well. Russell also put in one of his stronger defensive performances, helping hold Mike Conley to 21 points and four assists on 7-16 shooting.
But no one was more impressive than Julius Randle who has continued his strong season after an inconsistent rookie year. Randle’s performance was the quintessential “Good Randle” game with plenty of rebounding and playmaking as well as more controlled drives to the rim.
Last season, Randle going up against a strong defensive frontcourt (such as the one spearheaded by Marc Gasol) would have resulted in plenty of turnovers and wild, missed shots.
This year, Julius has been much better against those talented players, having some of his strongest performances lately against the likes of DeAndre Jordan and the duo of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert. Tonight, Randle was one of the focal points of the offense but only turned the ball over twice – another sign of progress in an altogether promising season.
Grizzlies and National Reaction
When Nick Young pic.twitter.com/KmL90hwF4o
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) January 4, 2017
The Grizzlies are getting roasted by Swaggy P, this is the most predictable outcome ever.
— Keone Express (@BallFromGrace) January 4, 2017
D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young are the 2nd pair of teammates to both make 6+ 3P in a game vs @memgrizz.
Other duo: Steph/Klay (3/27/15).
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 4, 2017
Julius Randle is the 1st player since Michael Carter-Williams (12/13/14) to record a triple-double vs @memgrizz, snapping a 177-game streak.
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 4, 2017
I know no one loves bigs who can't hit 3s or protect the rim anymore, but I still kinda love Julius Randle. Dude can make plays.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) January 4, 2017
Randle has shown when he plays hard, he can defend decently– including around the rim. Lakers people talk about his up + down "motor" a lot
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) January 4, 2017
Fan Takeaways
https://twitter.com/iMorteLove/status/816523822421528577
sustained energy on both ends of the floor after the half and continuing to generate good looks instead hero-balling it.
— Return of the Mack (@22CMack) January 4, 2017
Lou is fun to watch score. Julius is my favorite Lakers on this team. #LakeShow
— Rob Thompson (@RobbieThompson2) January 4, 2017
best overall game i've seen by DLo so far (on both ends)!
Great team performance. Fun to watch…— Picuchalo (@picuchalo) January 4, 2017
though the Grizz aren't necessarily a 'stellar' offensive team I thought the defense was consistently good throughout.
— Mohsin ⚡️ (@DailyMohsin) January 4, 2017
2 thoughts