In James' absence, the Lakers lost back-to-back games on the road today, 111-118 to the same back-to-back Timberwolves, suffering four consecutive defeats. Since winning the mid-season tournament, the Lakers have had a very poor record of 1-5. Like the Lakers, the midseason runners-up Pacers had a 2-5 record after the finals and lost to the Grizzlies today, scoring a season-low 103 points.
After suffering a four-game losing streak, the Lakers' record has also become 15-14, falling to tenth in the West, overtaken by the Suns, and only one win ahead of the 11th-placed Warriors, and the Warriors are currently in a three-game winning streak. The Suns, Warriors, and Lakers, three teams with luxurious lineups and superstars, have struggled this season, and it can be said that they are difficult brothers.
Thick eyebrows led the team alone today, with a stable output, playing 39 minutes in the game, 11 of 20 shots, 1 of 1 three-pointers, 8 of 9 free throws, and a game-high 31 points, plus 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Reaves also played steadily, playing 27 minutes, shooting 7-of-14 from the field, 1-of-4 from three-point range, 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and also committing 4 turnovers, with a plus/minus of -9.
Hachimura started in place of James and played 34 minutes, shooting 7-of-12 from the field, 2-of-5 from three-point range and 2-of-6 from the free-throw line to finish with 18 points and five rebounds. Russell played 38 minutes, shooting 7-of-19 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range to finish with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks. Prince started the game for 37 minutes, shooting 5-of-6, including 4-of-3 from three-point range, for 14 points and five rebounds, with a plus/minus of +6.
The Timberwolves, who lost to the 76ers in their last game, avoided a losing streak today and continued to sit first in the West with a 21-6 record. Edwards played 38 minutes, shooting 9-of-19 from the field, 2-of-6 from three-point range and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line to finish with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block.
Towns played well, playing 33 minutes, 7-of-16, 2-of-6 three-pointers, 5-of-6 free throws, 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, a game-high plus/minus of +12. Gobert played 37 minutes, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from the free-throw line, finishing with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks.