Thought Starter...
There was a lot to look forward to Sunday as the slumping Toronto Raptors visited the Crypt.
For a half, though, the Lakers looked as if they were playing in mud. No pop, no energy, no resistance as the Raptors hammered them on the glass. The Lakers stuck close because Toronto isn’t very good, but it was hardly inspiring. And for a few minutes in the third, it seemed like the trend would continue. But thankfully, over the course of the quarter the Lakers found their footing, made some shots and cranked up the energy, building out a more significant lead that would rise into double digits throughout much of the fourth. As it was Friday, when JJ Redick swapped D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish in the starting lineup, the Lakers got a boost from the reconfigured bench. Russell (15 points) led the way and the group provided a little scoring punch (40 points total).
So the Lakers get the win... but it’s not what people are talking about.
Instead, it’s yet another facial injury for Anthony Davis, who was popped in the eye by Jakob Poeltl while executing a spectacular block. He was down the court for a while, and didn’t return. Davis has had a run recently of injuries like this one, and we’ll see if this forces him to miss any games (players need to be able to see what they’re doing).
To his credit, with Davis out, LeBron James went HAM, piling up big numbers including 16 assists, en route to a second straight triple double. His determination clearly went up a notch once Davis had to leave the floor, and it never really relented.
So a good win, no question. But one that will raise the anxiety of fans until more information is known.
Three Questions...
1. Has Redick unlocked both Reaves and Russell in one move?
2. Is LeBron officially past any early season “slump?”
3. At some point, does Davis need some goggles? Seriously...
