Lakers push past Timberwolves behind another huge performance from their bench.
Lakers push past Timberwolves behind another huge surge from the bench, winning their 3rd straight game. The Lakers won their 3rd straight game to start the second half of the NBA season tonight as they pushed past the Minnesota Timberwolves 137–121. With tonight’s victory over the Timberwolves, the Lakers moved their record to 27–13 and still remain in 3rd place in the Western Conference 2.5 games behind the first place 29–10 Utah Jazz.
In the first half of tonight’s ball game, both the Lakers and Timberwolves combined for 141 points. The Lakers scored the second-most points all season tonight with 137 points, one point shy of the season-high (138 vs DAL 12/25). 71 of those 137 points came from inside the paint tonight, showcasing the intensity the Lakers showed tonight attacking the bucket. A huge reason for that high number of points came from the Lakers percentages from the field. The Lakers shot 50% from the three-point arc going 13–26 and 50–87 (57%) total from the field. Finishing 50% shooting from the perimeter was the third-best percentage they ended in a game all season.
After finishing with a triple-double in Monday’s huge win over the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James ended tonight’s win with another triple-double giving him his second straight and 5th triple-double of the season. In the Lakers third straight win, LeBron James finished 25 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes on the night. James finished with a great shooting percentage in tonight’s MVP performance going 4–7 (57%) from the perimeter, a perfect 5–5 from the foul line, and shot 8–14 (57%) total from the field goal. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel talked about what he sees from LeBron and achieving triple-doubles in the past couple of games saying:
“I don’t think he’s been playing differently, our shooters have just gotten more alive and have shot the ball well. LeBron plays the same way each night and when guys are making shots he’s going to get triple-doubles. I thought he played three really strong games.”
After tonight’s triple-double, LeBron James has recorded 99 triple-doubles in his career, one more shy of reaching the triple-digit mark. Something only a few players in league history has reached. Those players include Oscar Robertson (181), Russell Westbrook (157), Magic Johnson (138), and Jason Kidd (107).
Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder had a helpful performance tonight for this Lakers squad, giving them a presence on both sides of the ball. In 32 minutes, Schroder finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds on 5–11 (45%) shooting from the field.
After giving the Lakers a season-high 71 points off the bench on Monday’s win over the Warriors, the Lakers bench continued that spark from the bench finishing with 68 points in tonight’s victory.
The first player we have to spotlight in tonight’s win is the reigning 6th man of the year, Montrezl Harrell. After finishing Monday’s game with a season-high 28 points, Harrell gave the Lakers 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds on 11–16 shooting. Tonight showed the continuing intensity and consistency Harrell has brought off the bench for the longevity of the season for this ball club.
Montrezl Harrell in the Lakers current 3-game win streak:
23.0 points
5.0 rebounds
2.7 assists
FG%: 73%
Another player who had a huge performance, creating a spark off the bench tonight was Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma ended tonight’s victory with 16 points, and 3 rebounds on 7–12 shooting from the field and 2–4 shooting from the 3 point arc. After tonight’s game, Kyle Kuzma spoke about the energy Montrezl Harrell brings for this Lakers bench saying:
“He’s playing with a lot of intensity. It’s something that we really need, especially right now in this regular season. Someone that is playing extremely hard, he’s huge for us.”
The next player that has continued to develop and improve this whole season is 20-year-old Talen Horton-Tucker. With the recent concussion injury of Alex Caruso, Horton-Tucker has had his role on this team increased, playing 26 total minutes tonight. In 26 minutes, Horton-Tucker finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists while going 6–9 total from the field and a perfect 4–4 from the free-throw line. LeBron James spoke about Horton-Tucker and his production saying:
“If you go back and re-do the draft from last year, Talen Horton-Tucker would not go in the second round. We’re super-duper lucky and blessed to be able to have grabbed him in the second round.”
The Lakers will play at home on Thursday to face the exciting young Charlotte Hornets, facing hometown native and 3rd overall pick LaMelo Ball. The Lakers will look to continue their win streak in a must-see competitive matchup against the Hornets.