It's been a bad night in more ways than one for the legendary Lakers franchise. Beaten again this season (111-106) by the Clippers – the other Los Angeles team – while leading for much of the game, it records its fourth straight loss, and has seen its star LeBron James suffer a fatal counter against Patrick Beverley in the last seconds of this long awaited "angelino" shock. And all this, at home, in the Staples Center (which she also shares with her evening opponent).
Despite a very honorable stat sheet (23 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds), the number 23 Lakers was stolen the limelight by Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers' winger. Like two months ago, Leonard, still as clinical, precise and impervious to pressure, took control of the match in the money-time to offer the victory to his family with crucial baskets. Eleven of his 35 points were scored in the final minutes.
Enough to disgust his rivals, who nevertheless thought they were holding their revenge by relying on a big defense during three quarters of the match (10 against). Paul George paid the price, limited to 17 points (5/18 on shots).
The Lakers seemed to lack energy and imagination when, in their turn, the Clippers opposed them a defense worthy of the playoffs, with the image of this ball countered by Patrick Beverley in the hands of LeBron James who started a shot to try to equalize within seconds of the end of the match. Decisive action that ended the hopes of the western conference leader to avoid another setback against his regular season rival. The two franchises will face each other twice before eventually ending up in the playoffs.
Psychological ascendancy for the Clippers
This duel, all of Los Angeles is already dreaming of seeing it continue in the spring. And the Clippers seem to have taken a psychological edge. Statistics show this: since the 2012-2013 season, they have had 25 wins against 5 losses against the Lakers.
The Lakers, after this fourth setback, see their lead over their pursuers seriously reduce. No one knows what impact will really have on them the unfavorable result of this second battle of L.A., scheduled for Christmas Day, in World Vision, under the passionate eyes of the entire basketball world.
But physically, as we have seen over the past ten days, they have not been in full possession of their means. A doubt had also persisted in recent hours as to their ability to play this match.
James, suffering from a chest muscle, withdrew for the first time this season on Sunday. A loss to her dolphin Denver, in which Anthony Davis' right knee had bent badly on a slide.
Bodies squeak
Finally, the two stars responded and even gritted their teeth, as when LeBron took an involuntary knee in the groin of Beverley – decidedly -, then missing his first seven shots. The 'King' still recovered to finish with 23 points (9/24 on penalties).
But, like Davis, who scored 24 points and 6 rebounds, he couldn't make a difference at the very end of the game, where both are expected when indecision lasts. Kyle Kuzma, the team's top scorer (25 points), off the bench, was only a factor X for three quarters.
Kawhi Leonard also has a creaky body at the end of the year, especially his left knee which forces him to use the "Load management" (load management), this voluntary deadlock on certain matches which is currently much talked about in the NBA, to which James claims to refrain from yielding.
Last season, the rear had missed a third of the season before arriving in full possession of the means in the playoffs to lead Toronto to its first coronation. He will not hesitate to relieve his legs when it is necessary, if it is to shine in big meetings.
"There is no trophy for the best team in L.A.", he commented after his evening achievement, eyes already riveted around June 2020, the date of the NBA finals.
