Thanks to a great performance by Julius Randle, the Los Angeles Lakers (30-36) are sending the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-28) home with a pack. Isaiah Thomas also hurt his ex-club.
With Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. on the part of the Cavaliers and with Isaiah Thomas at the Lakers, players were in focus who had been traded before the deadline for each other. IT4 naturally received the greatest attention – and knew how to use it.
For example, the action was 9 minutes before the end when he hit a jumper after a crossover to the 106:87. So he didn’t miss the chance to take a nasty look towards the Cavaliers Bank, which was probably above all to Coach Ty Lue. After the game, however, Thomas said:”It was a normal game for me. Business as usual.”
The hit was part of a Lakers run, however, which turned a balanced score of 76:76 into a 21-point lead in the meantime. The vice-champion had no answer to that – especially not to Julius Randle.
With 36 points (Career-High), 14 rebounds and 7 assists he played one of the best games of his career. Especially in Lowpost and Pick-and-Roll he was unstoppable, often benefiting from the support of Thomas (9 Assists) and he was a beast and did everything you need to win. He makes it easy to give him the ball, especially in the pick-and-roll,”he then praised.
Meanwhile, the cavs came along very decimated. In addition to Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson, Rodney Hood and Cedi Osman will also be dropped out. LeBron James was the main reason why they were able to stay in the Staples Center for a long time.
With 24 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists he once again delivered an allround package and let the fans be amazed one or the other time. There is hope in Tinseltown that he will soon run for the Lila-Goldenes. In addition to James, Larry Nance also convinced in the offense with 16 points. Defensively, however, he could not help his team against Randle, his team allowed a 50 percent throwing rate.