Lakers clinch a 108-103 victory against Raptors at Staples Centre
The long awaited game between the Lakers and the Raptors turned out to be another victory for the Lakers. They outclassed the Raptors yet again. The Lakers redeemed their aura throughout the game and made the Raptors bite their nails as they scored 108-103.
God help the Raptors
The star of the game was Pau Gasol as he netted 30 high points that awed his opponents and his team mates were also singing and praising him. K. Bryant scored 23 more for his team that helped to make it nine straight against the Raptors (1-4).
Leandro Barbosa was the only sign of hope at the Raptors end as he added 17 points to their score.
The Lakers were very energetic in the first quarter as they took a 13 point lead, but they seemed to lag behind a bit after that. The Raptors took advantage of that and lifted the team again in the next quarter. This was helpful for them in scoring 38-22
and by doing so they took the lead in the game. At halftime they were soaring ahead 58-55.
The game took a fateful u-turn that proved fatal for the Raptors as the game advanced. This was because of the many turnovers that the Raptors gave away. The Raptors were generous enough to give 21 turnovers to the Lakers, who proved to be misers in committing
only 12 turnovers.
The Raptors also had a poor shot selection that became their adversary as the game proceeded.
The Raptors did have a rebounding advantage over the Lakers 49-31. The Lakers has a +4.8 rebound differential, which ranks them second in the league.
Magic Moment
As the game gained momentum in the 3rd quarter and things started changing for both the teams, Shannon Brown leaped to draw a 3-pointer. He did this when only two minutes were left to play.
He was in the left wing and the arena stifled under the cheers of the crowd. This basket proved to be very beneficial for the Lakers. They not only gained a lead over the Raptors 80-78 but also marked the beginning of a critical 12-2 run. This magic basket
lifted the spirits of the Lakers and they never looked back after that.
Leandro Barbosa was leading the Raptors in the 2nd quarter with his team high 17 points. He covered two steals and three 3 pointers in the span of just 12 minutes.
Forward Amir Johnson, who replaced Chris Bosh after he joined Miami Heat, was bombarded with a lot of expectations to fill in the empty space left by Bosh. He has been successful in averaging only 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. He made a breakout score against
the Lakers tonight by scoring 12 points and 15 rebounds that are his career high rebounds until now.
Raptors coach was pleased with his performance as he later said that he played well and brought good energy. He also mentioned that they are expecting him to continue to do that. He sounded a little pointy as he said that they were expecting this to happen
a little sooner than that. To cover that up he said that it is a positive step and that he expects the players to keep moving forward.
The turnovers and bad shots brought catastrophe in the game for the Raptors. They were 97-94 in the last 4:18 and were 2 for 9 from the field and even at that point they gave two turnovers. It seemed like luck was never in their favour last night.
Coming Up
The Lakers will battle against Blazers on Sunday, Tuesday they will face Timberwolves, Thursday they will have another match vs. Nuggets. For the Raptors, Saturday at Portland, Monday vs. Warriors and Wednesday vs. Bobcats.
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