Challenge knights back-to-back
The All-Star was over, but the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't slow down, suffering a three-game losing streak and falling to fifth in the East. Garland and LeVert's injuries are undoubtedly fatal blows for this team. Rondo was forced into the starting line-up, though you can't expect a 36-year-old veteran to save the team. In this game against the Washington Wizards, Rondo was also absent due to a toe injury, which meant that the Cavaliers' point guards could not play, which was really worse.
Fortunately, the situation of the Washington Wizards is not good, Bradley Beal has been reimbursed for the season, Porzingis has not played a game in the trade, and the team can rely on two Lakers veterans, Kuzma and Pope. They just experienced a double overtime battle with the Spurs, and now they are challenging the Cavaliers back-to-back, and the difficulty can be imagined.
Kuzma really tried his best
Kuzma carried the team in the first quarter, three-pointers, 3-of-2, 8 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in the single quarter, Pope also had 4 points and 1 block, the Wizards scored 23 points in a single quarter, although not much, but the Cavaliers without a point guard only scored 18 points, so the Wizards also took a 5-point lead. After returning from the second quarter, Osman carried the banner of organization, 7 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists on 2-of-3 shooting, Allen also had 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals, the Cavaliers offense picked up slightly, scoring 22 points in a single quarter, and Kuzma scored only 19 points despite hitting 2 more three-pointers.
So, at the end of the half, the Washington Wizards only led the Cleveland Cavaliers by two points at 42-40. In the second half, Kuzma ushered in an outbreak, shooting 5-of-6, 4-of-4 from three-point range, and 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in the single quarter. Under Kuzma's leadership, the Wizards scored 28 points in a single quarter, but the Cavaliers withstood the pressure, and Markkanen also had 8 points and 1 rebound in a single quarter, and the team simply allowed the Wizards to extend the lead to 4 points. After returning from the final quarter, the Wizards briefly took a nine-point lead.
But who would have thought that Markkanen hit three consecutive three-pointers to narrow the gap to three points, and then Allen scored six consecutive points, and the Cavaliers successfully surpassed the three points. Kuzma stepped forward at the crucial moment and hit two-point shots from long range to keep hope alive. Allen continued to hit two free throws, Ismail missed three points, Goodwin made two free throws, Kuzma still didn't have three points, and the Wizards could only foul. Mobley made two free throws, Pope missed three points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers successfully reversed the Washington Wizards 92-86.
The Lakers shouldn't trade him
In the last game against the San Antonio Spurs, Kuzma had 36 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, and this game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kuzma handed over 34 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 8 of 11 three-pointers. I have to say that today's Kuzma really played an all-star performance. Many fans have said that the Lakers really should not have sent him away. Kuzma this season, not only has made significant progress on the offensive end, but also has a great improvement in the defensive end, which can be seen that being traded by the Lakers really stimulated him.
Another Lakers veteran Pope, who also had 13 points, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in this game, completed his task well, and Yamura was 10 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, and now willingly become Kuzma's substitute. The Cavaliers completed the reversal, Markkanen had 23 points and 6 rebounds, Allen had 18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, Mobley also had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, and Ottoman on the bench had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. However, Lefour still felt bad, with only 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists on 10-of-10 shooting.