Tuesday night, the NBA kicked off their season with the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Los Angeles Clippers in the second game of TNT’s doubleheader. It was technically a home game for the Clippers with the “home” team prevailing in this one, 112-102. It was an up-and-down game, with the Clippers seeming like they were possibly going to pile it on early in the 3rd quarter. Danny Green followed it up with a huge end to the quarter, bringing the game to a tie before the fourth. The Lakers struggled throughout the entire quarter, leading to an 0-1 start to the season.
Danny Green lights it up in the 3rd quarter
The Lakers were in need of a jolt early into the 3rd quarter, as the team trailed 70-56 with 9:56 left in the quarter. Danny Green came to answer, although he only had three points at the time.
Green hit a three right after that moment, and never looked back, ending up with 18 total points in the quarter on five total threes made. He was nearly the sole reason that the Lakers erased the deficit and entered the fourth quarter tied, 85-85.
He wasn’t done, ending up with 28 points, giving himself quite the accolade.
The most points ever for a Laker in their debut was Kareem with 27. LeBron had 26 last year, tying Magic and Stu Lantz … @DGreen_14 just set a new mark with 28 after hitting his 7th 3-pointer. Still 3:13 left. (AD has 25)
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 23, 2019
LeBron James and the team struggle in the fourth quarter
During the run to end the third quarter led by Danny Green, the Lakers went on a 20-8 run to take a tie into the fourth. LeBron James was on the bench for pretty much all of this run, returning for the start of the fourth. He and the team seemingly came out sluggish, with LeBron having a less-than-spectacular quarter including 1-of-4 shooting with three turnovers.
The Clippers opened the fourth with a quick 7-0 run, and never let the Lakers get the lead after that, later extending the lead to end the game.
The Clippers’ star guards take it to the Lakers
There were many reasons for the Lakers’ poor performance against the Clippers, but possibly none more than the Clippers’ guards abusing the Lakers’ guards left-and-right all day. This performance was led by Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams, with Kawhi leading the charge in the first half and Lou Will finishing it off in the second.
Kawhi was up to his normal work early in the contest, with Lou Williams abusing the Lakers guards in the second half in pick-and-rolls with Montrezl Harrel. Ultimately, the two players combined for 51 points, 12 assists, and a combined +18 plus/minus.
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The Lakers will have two days off, before having their (technical) home opener on Friday against the Utah Jazz. Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. PST.
