James 33 Leads Lakers Over Brooklyn
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
James Harden’s efforts on the court were not enough for the Brooklyn Nets as Anthony Davis returned to the line-up to help Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 106-96 victory last evening at Barclays Center.
The Nets needed more scorers and defenders, and whether it was the addition of Davis or the thrill of New York, the Lakers regained their energy following their recent loss and rose to the occasion. Brooklyn picked up their pace early in the game to compete and added an extra push in the fourth quarter, but LA dominated in scoring, stayed defensive and increased coverage at the end of the game.
“Of course I’m frustrated because we’re not healthy,” Nets James Harden said after the game. “It’s a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason – injuries, COVID, whatever you want to call it.”
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Harden recorded his 9th triple-double of the season as he led the Nets with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Patty Mills added 15 total points, but the team needed extra help. The team is without Joe Harris (ankle surgery), Kevin Durant, who continues to rehab a sprained MCL, and Kyrie Irving who is unable to play in New York due to COVID-19 rules.
James led the Lakers with 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk contributed 22 total points, Russell Westbrook had 15 points and Davis added eight points. Davis rejoined the Lakers after over a month away due to a knee injury.
The Lakers played strong from tip-off. James tossed up the ball for an ally-oop as Davis slammed it down for the first 2-points of the game. The Nets have had slow starts in earlier games this season, but engaged in the faster pace to start the game. Harden finished the first quarter with 16 points as the Lakers took a 33-25 first quarter lead.
The Lakers appeared to have fun and play quicker as they drove through open pockets in the Nets defense and made shots LA also stayed defensive. James fouled LaMarcus Alridge with less than 1:30 minutes remaining in the second quarter drawing the teams fourth foul. Aldridge also blocked and made shots. He scored six points and had a steal in the second quarter. The Nets trailed 60-51 with about 38 seconds before the end of the quarter when James went to the free throw line making both followed by two baskets. Harden countered with a block and basket as the Nets trailed 62-53 at halftime.
The Nets fought back. Harden was back at the free throw line with less than 6:32 minutes in the third quarter when Avery Bradley earned a technical for disputing his foul. Harden hit all three shots closing the score. However, the Lakers intensified their play and went ahead 92-78 at the end of the third quarter. James scored 12 points and Harden had 11 points in the quarter.
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Harden did not have any points in the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn outscored LA 18-14. However, it was a little too late.
“We didn’t want to double James the whole game,” said Lakers Head Coach Frank Vogel about the increased coverage of Harden in the fourth quarter. “It puts a lot of pressure on us to really run around. He made it difficult with the way he was scoring the ball early.”
James had three steals in the fourth quarter. “Late in the game we wanted to take the ball out of his hands,” Vogel continued on Harden. “When we do that Bron is as great as a free safety looking for steal opportunities.”
Both teams Tuesday were coming off losses. The Lakers were defeated by the Miami Heat on Sunday. The Nets lost the same day to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Nets defeated the Lakers in their first meeting this season on Christmas. If by chance they meet in the NBA Finals, Brooklyn will have to come up with a different strategy if their full team is unavailable.
Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.
