The streak has finally ended. As the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Toronto Raptors on Friday, many expected that the Lakers’ road losing streak would continue. They haven’t won a road game since their matchup against the Nets in Brooklyn.
But, something changed against the Raptors. Was it the food they ate? Was it because Drake was sitting courtside?
For once, the Lakers finally outscored their opponent in the first quarter. They did the same in the second quarter as well, outscoring Toronto 26-25.
Los Angeles shot better from the three-point line, converting on 44% of their attempts. Meanwhile, Toronto converted on 32.4% of their threes.
For the entire fourth quarter, both teams were hitting shots left and right. With 26 seconds left in the fourth, Gary Trent Jr. hit a three to give the Raptors a 116-113 lead. A couple of possessions later, the Raptors messed up the inbound pass and this happened.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK AT THE DEATH pic.twitter.com/zI4Eycbi1t
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 19, 2022
After criticism of his inability to make shots from the three-point line, Russell Westbrook silenced his critics by hitting the clutch shot. The game proceeded to overtime, where the Lakers outscored the Raptors 12-7 to get the 128-123 win.
LeBron James finished with 36 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Westbrook had a triple-double with 22/10/10. One thing to note: he hit 4 three-pointers.
For Toronto, Scottie Barnes led the team with 31 points of his own. He also contributed 17 rebounds and six assists.
My Thoughts
Wow.
If anyone deserved to have the performance they did, it was Russell Westbrook. All game long, he looked like the Russ of old, getting buckets however he pleased.
The shot that sent the game into overtime was the most clutch shot by a Laker this season. But, we shouldn’t be surprised that Westbrook hit it. After all…
Russell Westbrook hit his 9th career 3-pt FG inside the final 5 seconds of the 4th quarter and OT.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 19, 2022
That matches Kobe Bryant for the 2nd-most over the last 25 seasons. Only player with more during that span is Vince Carter (12). pic.twitter.com/MmoPjx71Ap
Even with the King having the performance he did, Russ was confident in himself and it paid off.
Hopefully, we get to see more of this type of play from Westbrook down the stretch.
Another player worth mentioning? Wenyen Gabriel. Making his first start for the Lakers, he scored 17 points on 7-8 shooting. 14 of those came in the first quarter alone.
To see Gabriel perform the way he did is a welcoming sight. He’s only 24, which is good because this roster doesn’t have a lot of young players.
One thing that the Lakers need to fix is getting outrebounded. Scottie Barnes was able to snag 17 rebounds on his own, which is unacceptable. More effort needs to be put in terms of crashing the glass. Toronto also outscored Los Angeles 62-50 in the paint.
Regardless, it was a welcoming sight to see the Purple & Gold finally get a win.
Let’s not get too excited. The last time the Lakers won, they proceeded to go on a losing streak. With only a handful of games left in the season, they cannot afford to lose anymore.
Player of the Game
Easy choice. Russell Westbrook: Mr. Triple Double himself. 22 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists on 8-18 shooting. Just lower the turnovers Russ (had four of them).
Up Next
The Lakers will take on the Washington Wizards on Saturday. The last time they met, LeBron had 50 points in the 122-109 win.
Los Angeles is now 30-40.
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