Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click the "Follow" button, so that you can continue to push such articles in the future, and it is also convenient for you to discuss and share, your support is the motivation for me to insist on reporting~#Headline Premiere Challenge##文章首发挑战赛#
In the NBA, a game full of uncertainties, the Lakers ushered in a turning point. Against the Thunder on the road, they defeated their opponents with a score of 129-120, ending a four-game losing streak, as if to tell the world that the Purple and Gold are still the strong team that can make waves.
In this game, Vanderbilt started in place of Russell, bringing a new atmosphere to the team. Head coach Darvin Ham spoke highly of the change, saying that Vanderbilt's addition has increased the size and intensity of the team's interior, as well as the team's flexibility, which can be used to shift pick-and-rolls from the No. 1 to No. 5 positions, and his rebounding performance is also commendable. Although the Thunder shot accurately in the first quarter, the Lakers fought back in the second quarter with a solid defense and managed to take the pace of the game firmly into their own hands.
LeBron James was undoubtedly the biggest highlight of the game, with 37 minutes of playing time in which he shot 13-of-20, 5-of-5 from three-point range and 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, scoring 40 points plus seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Especially at the critical moment in the fourth quarter, James scored 15 points alone, which not only stabilized the morale of the army, but also directly destroyed the morale of the opponent.
Coach Darvin Ham was full of praise when talking about James, saying that it is important to have James as the starting point guard, because it allows for the flexibility to adjust the tactics according to the situation on the court. Sometimes with four shooters on the field, James can make one-on-one breaks, and when it's time to organise an attack, he can play like a commander. Passing was the Lakers' killer feature in this game, with a total of 38 assists on the team, including Reddish contributing, James seven, and Austin a staggering 10 assists. With only nine turnovers, the Lakers are extremely focused on ball protection.
Anthony Davis' performance could not be ignored either, he was always on the court in the second half, and even at the end of the third quarter, when the coach asked if he needed to rest, he resolutely chose to continue playing. Davis' persistence not only showcased his competitive form, but also boosted the morale of his teammates.
With this victory, the Lakers not only stopped the decline, but also accumulated confidence in the subsequent games. This victory is like a ray of warm sun in the cold winter, indicating a possible warming trend. We will have to wait and see if the Purple and Gold will be able to take advantage of this headwind.