Revenge is sweet for D’Angelo Russell, who led the Brooklyn Nets to a victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106.
- Brooklyn Nets 111 (38-36)
- Los Angeles Lakers 106 (31-41)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
The Brooklyn Nets started a seven-game, 17-day road trip with three consecutive losses only to rally in a historic comeback over the Sacramento Kings.
On Friday night, they defeated LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Playoffs have become more of a certainty for Brooklyn, currently seventh in the eastern conference after its latest win.
D’Angelo Russell led the way with 21 points, 13 assists, and three steals. Questions were raised on how he would follow up his 44-point performance against the Kings, especially against his former team.
But Russell kept his poise. After tallying two fouls early, he changed his approach and started getting his teammates involved.
? FEAR THE FRO ?@_bigjayy_ | #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/jnKHKxk8ME
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 23, 2019
Foul trouble pulled him off the court again in the third when he got his fourth. But he returned in the fourth quarter to put away James and the Lakers.
The Nets biggest issue on the defensive end has been opposing big men. Los Angeles and JaVale McGee took full advantage. He finished with two new career-highs, 33 points and 20 rebounds.
JaVale drops the hammer!!#LakeShow (?: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/jubu8PzwLE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 23, 2019
But Brooklyn’s centers saw just as much success. Jarrett Allen recorded nine points and nine rebounds in the first quarter alone.
? @_bigjayy_ already with 9️⃣ points and 9️⃣ boards
Nets up 20-17 ? pic.twitter.com/Ez0jWfGU6b
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 23, 2019
He and backup Ed Davis combined for 27 points, 26 rebounds, and two blocks on the night.
THROW IT DOWN, ED ?@eddavisXVII | #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/wlBoYJIogV
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 23, 2019
? FEAR THE FRO ?@_bigjayy_ | #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/jnKHKxk8ME
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 23, 2019
Elsewhere, marksman Joe Harris provided a boost on offense. He finished with 26 points on six made three-pointers in 32 minutes played.
He doesn't miss those ??#WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/tG9bje2HuG
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 23, 2019
LeBron James played some of the sloppiest basketball we’ve seen. Although he finished with a near triple-double (25 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds), he tallied eight turnovers in his 37 minutes played.
James’s last eight-turnover night was May 27 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
So, the game’s greatest player will miss the playoffs for the first season since 2005 in part thanks to D’Angelo Russell who wasn’t enough of a “leader” to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brooklyn will continue on their road trip, with another must-win game against the Portland Trailblazers on Monday night. Tip-off is at 10:00 p.m. ET.
