The NBA regular season enters the final sprint, and the Lakers are a team that has a lot of attention to see if they can make the playoffs. After the trade changed the lineup, they were also in excellent form, and while they kept winning, other teams were still sending warmth, which also allowed them to quickly rush to the top 10 in the West and now establish a lead, this time thanks to the Celtics and Suns.
After the Lakers defeated the Grizzlies in the last game, they have rushed to the ninth position in the West, but the advantage is not great, the Pelicans, Thunder, and Blazers behind them are only half a win behind, and once they win this time, they may have to surrender the ninth position. Fortunately, only the Pelicans won this time, and the Blazers and Thunder both suffered a crushing defeat, directly trailing the Lakers by a win.
The Blazers took on the Celtics on the road, who were in a slump during this time, being turned around by their opponents in three consecutive games and desperately needed a win. After the start of the game, the Celtics held their breath, occupied the initiative on the court early, and the point difference was also opened step by step, once leading by 27 points, and the game also lost suspense early, and finally the Blazers lost by 23 points. This time, Lillard scored 27 points and 8 assists and was unable to prevent the team from losing, and Tatum on the opposite side scored 30 points to end a three-game losing streak.
The Thunder challenged the Suns on the road, with Alexander choosing to miss back-to-back and seemingly giving up strategically. Although Durant was injured and absent before the Suns, Booker's form was hot, and he scored 30 points at halftime to lead the team to the upper hand, and opened the point difference in the second half, once taking a 36-point lead, and the game lost suspense. In the end, the Thunder suffered a 31-point defeat and failed to extend their winning streak, not enough for them to be 11th in the West and still have a chance to make the playoffs.
A 23-point defeat, a 31-point defeat, both competitors lost miserably, and there is already a trend of falling behind. After the All-Star, the Lakers are definitely the most eye-catching team, and while they can win, their competitors are constantly losing, which also makes them rush to the top ten early. Now, coach Hamm's goal of the top six in the West is also realistic, only 1.5 wins behind, the opportunity has come and they have the initiative, as long as this momentum continues, there is a real chance.