The Lakers held their nerves tonight, winning the game against San Antonio in overtime. They extended their win streak to two games and look all settled as a new team. However, a bigger boost for them is that they did it all without LeBron James, who sat out due to an ankle injury. Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis exploded for big nights to take the Lakers home.
The game was full of ups and downs for the purple and gold. While it looked like anyone’s game at the halfway point, the third quarter changed things. Spurs went on a significant lead of 12 points, entering the fourth full of confidence. But the Lakers fought and quickly covered the deficit. After missing all free throws in the fourth, the Spurs were down by two and an offensive put-back saw them tie the game.
Being away from home, the pressure of the opposing fans is no joke. However, Laker fans were all over the arena and Russell Westbrook felt the rare love.
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Russell Westbrook gets the laker experience
Despite being in the Spurs, cheers for the Lakers were loud all night; there was no booing or hostility towards the purple and gold. In the post game interview, Russ admitted that it was new for him to be cheered in an away arena and that it felt amazing to be cheered on by Laker fans.
Westbrook said: “Well, I’ll tell you different for me. I’m not used to people cheering for me on the road, that’s a different experience for me which is good. You know, Laker fans all accross the world which is an amazing feeling. Tonight we represented.”
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“I’m not used to people cheering for me on the road (laughs) thats a different experience for me… Tonight we represented" @russwest44 on the #Lakers fans in the arena and his 33-point performance. pic.twitter.com/Ayf0QsBuOp
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 27, 2021
Due to LeBron missing out, Russell Westbrook got the chance to have the ball in his hands. Likewise, he did what he always does. Russ exploded for 33 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, shooting 55% from the field. Davis also had a huge game with 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 blocks to guide the Lakers home. Monk got in instead of LeBron and put up 17 points, including a crucial three in the fourth quarter.
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For San Antonio, center Jakob Poeltl had a career night with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocking shooting an impressive 76% from the field. Murray put up a triple double with 21 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds; unfortunately, he did not shoot the ball well. Walker and Vassell combined for 40 points off the bench helping the Spurs stay in the game.
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