NBA preseason continued, Lakers defeated the Kings 30 points in the first game of the preseason, which was unexpected, while Suns lost to the Australian weak team in the first game, which also made the outside world look down on their prospects for the new season. Both teams are in desperate need of a victory to boost morale. In the game against the Kings, James only made 0 of 7 in . When the traditional center is on the court, James really can't play his best value. In the match against the Suns today, Ham put on a small lineup of James + Westbrook + Thick eyebrows + Beverly +Reeves, but before the game, the Lakers announced that Davis missed today's game due to back tension, and Gabriel entered the start. This change in the Lakers released Westbrook and James. James scored 23 points in the first half, Reeves and Nunn also performed very well. The Lakers were in the lead for most of the game. Both sides put in the third lineup in the fourth quarter, and the Suns reversed the score. In the end, the Lakers lost to the Suns 115-119 and suffered two consecutive losses in the preseason.
At the beginning, Westbrook counterattacked one-stop, and then hit a 3+1. Unfortunately, it was a pity that it was confiscated, but Westbrook's performance completely drove the morale of the team. James scored consecutive points inside and outside, and Beverly's three-pointer, the Lakers widened the gap early. In the middle of the game, James started his solo performance, first counterattacked and easily picked the basket, then supported himself with one foot, scored a difficult three-pointer, followed by cooperation with Reeves, and made a layup again. At the end of the quarter, Westbrook made another three-pointer and counterattacked , Shamet , and the Lakers led the Suns 35-28 in the first quarter. Reeves' pass in the first quarter activated James and Westbrook, and Nunn gradually regained his touch after his comeback. What is surprising is that without a traditional center, the Lakers did much better than the Suns for fast-paced offensive and defensive conversions.
Back in the second quarter, Beverly made a three-pointer foul, James glided and picked up the basket, and the Lakers blossomed at multiple points, once widening the double-digit score difference. Reeves assisted James in a row to hit a three-pointer in the middle. James was very excited and the Suns were stopped again. In the second half, James became the core of the organization, assisting and Anderson to layup, assisting Gabriel to dunk. On the other hand, the Suns, Paul is a bit irrational. In a defensive round, he had some physical contact with Anderson. At the end of the quarter, Beverly even had a big hat on Ayton . After completing the wonderful block, he also shouted with Ayton. The Lakers led the Suns 69-62 at the halftime, James contributed 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the first half. Westbrook's task became simple under the coach of new coach Ham. He focused on the end after holding the ball, including his shrinking the basket and participating in the frame protection and counterattacking. Westbrook also performed well.
James clocked in and got off work in the third quarter, Reeves rode a horse and shot an archery, Westbrook assisted Beverly to score a three-pointer, and the Suns' main players were close to the score difference at one point. At the critical moment, Nunn made a layup and then made another three-pointer. Westbrook also received a skilled foul because he was overly celebrating on the bench. At the end of the quarter, the Suns recovered some points with Shamet and Damian Lee. After three quarters, the Lakers still maintained a 4-point lead. In the fourth quarter, both sides sent out the third team, and the game was not very meaningful. In the end, the Lakers lost to the Suns 115-119. Data, on the Suns, Paul scored 13 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists, Booker scored 422 points, Shamet scored 21 points, Damian Lee scored 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Ayton scored 7 points and 8 rebounds. On the Lakers' side, Nunn scored 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, James scored 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists, Westbrook scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Reeves scored 6 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
First of all, one thing is certain, the Suns really want to win a victory today. Paul, Booker and Ayton played for about 25 minutes, and Bridges even left the court directly with 6 fouls, and in the third quarter, Monty also gave the starter enough time. However, the Suns were obviously a little downward in morale. Ayton's several strong attacks were not reasonable, and Booker and Paul both opened their hands and asked for the ball. The sun's flanks lack confrontation, and whether it is Craig or Salic, it cannot withstand the impact at all. Paul's condition in this game was not right. He argued with the referee many times, and the entire Suns seemed particularly depressing.
And the Lakers proved a lot of things through such a game. First of all, Reeves' role in tandem organization. He averaged only 1.8 assists per game last season, and Reeves sent 9 assists today. His passes to James, Nunn and Westbrook were all led by the ball to the right position, which was a bit like Rondo at the time, and the most important thing was that Reeves was very hard to defend. James was criticized for 0 of 7 shots in the last game, and he made 8 of 11 shots in this game, and he tried his best. It turns out that the 38-year-old James is still the most trustworthy point for the Lakers. Although Westbrook's overall shooting rate is average, he has a positive attitude and is hardworking. The Lakers need his speed and ability to fight back. The biggest surprise comes from Nunn, who has been recuperating for the whole year last year, but has performed well after his comeback. Today, whether it is shooting three-pointers, playing the ball and attacking the box, including cooperating with teammates, Nunn demonstrated his dominance.
Now it feels like Davis has become a factor limiting the Lakers' progress. It is not to question Davis' ability, but to be present. All tactics are designed around him, but to suppress people like Reeves, Nunn, and Beverly. I hope Davis has no back injury and hopes he can adapt to this team again. The Lakers will also play back-to-back against the Timberwolves tomorrow, followed by the Warriors No. 10, the Timberwolves No. 13, and the Kings No. 15. Ham has enough time to test the lineup, at least today's game will allow fans to see a glimmer of hope again.
