LeBron Returns As Lakers Seal OT Win Over Clippers
- Updated: January 31, 2019
The battle for Los Angeles was underway Thursday night as the Clippers and the Lakers faced off at Staples Center. The court was painted in Clippers colors but the crowd seemed to be more of an even split between the fanbases.
Lakers fans entered to see the return of LeBron James, returning after a 17 game absence with a groin injury. The Lakers claimed James would be on a bit of a minutes restriction but the battle for 8th place seemed too important for coach Luke Walton and the Lakers to take that chance. James put up a near triple-double with 24 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 9 assists in a contest where he seemed to shake off a bit of rust.
While James warmed up, his team needed other guys to step in and help out. Lucky for Lakers fans Brandon Ingram did just that. Ingram closed out the game with 19 points making 7 of 12 shots.
Despite turning the ball over almost twice as much as their opponent, the Lakers put together a great offensive performance shooting a terrific 45.7% from the field including going 42.3% from long distance. Taking smart shots can mask plenty of other problems and that proved to be the case for the Lakers in this one.
The Clippers on the other hand struggled to find open looks. The Clippers though were able to find a way around the Lakers tough perimeter defense by working the ball inside. Clippers bench stars Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams led the team on a fourth quarter run by attacking the basket and it worked wonders for the duo. Harrell finished the game netting 15 points while snatching up 8 boards and Williams led the team in scoring with 24 points on the night.
The Clippers did get some contributions from their starters as well with All-Star snub Tobias Harris having a complete game consisting of 15 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked confident regardless of who lined up across from him and that bravado led to a third straight game scoring in double-figures with 10. Finally the scorching hot Patrick Beverley kept his hot shooting streak rolling going 5 of 8 from three point range, putting in 17 points to go with 8 assists and 4 rebounds before this one was over.
Just like any great showdown, this game needed some extra minutes to decide a winner.
When this one got to the overtime period the Lakers relied on an unlikely hero, Lance Stephenson and boy did that pay off. Stephenson had a clutch last minute layup and one to put his team up 5 and seal the game. Giving the Lakers a 123-120 victory.
The race for the 8th seed in the Western Conference is now within a half game thanks to this win by the Lakers and it should be fun to watch these two teams race to the finish line. Next up for the Clippers is Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons, while the Lakers will head to Oakland to face off with the Warriors.
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