LeBron James’ clutch sequence on both offense and defense powered the Lakers past the Grizzlies, while the Kevin Durant-less Nets squad handed the Jazz a total beatdown.
LeBron James scored 26 points in the Lakers’ second straight win over the Grizzlies. (Photo via Sky Sports)
Lakers complete four-game road sweep
The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a four-game road sweep as they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 94-92. LeBron James led the charge for the defending champs as he amassed 26 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, including this clutch fadeaway jumper over the outstretched hands of Dillon Brooks.
LeBron is COLD ❄️ pic.twitter.com/OoBKGmmOZb
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2021
LeBron would then follow it up with a huge block on Brandon Clarke, sealing the Lakers’ fourth-straight victory. Anthony Davis also scored 26 markers, then stuffed the rest of his stat sheet with 10 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. The Lakers have now swept their four-game road stand with two wins over the Grizzlies and two more against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Grizzlies didn’t have a single player eclipsing the 15-point mark in the scoring column, but they did an excellent collective effort on closing out on the Lakers’ three-point shooters. Ja Morant, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, sat out for the fourth straight time.
Irving, Allen carry Nets to a resounding win
With Kevin Durant sitting out to abide by the league’s health protocols, it was Kyrie Irving and Jarrett Allen who led the Brooklyn Nets to a massive 130-96 beatdown of the Utah Jazz. Irving topscored for the Nets with his 29 markers, while Allen showed out with his 19 points, 18 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Allen only missed one of his nine attempts from the field and outdueled Rudy Gobert on both offense and defense. Allen hit Gobert with a poster dunk and a couple of in-your-face blocks, including this tremendous defensive stand.
JARRETT ALLEN IS GOBERT'S WORST NIGHTMARE pic.twitter.com/5YBLPLEUdf
— Talkin’ Nets (@TalkinNets) January 6, 2021
Caris Levert also joined the fun as he finished with 24 points and 5 assists off the bench. With a high count of 31 team assists, the Nets churned up a stellar 55% overall clip from the field, including 38% from beyond the arc.
Donovan Mitchell had 31 points, 4 boards and 4 dimes for the Jazz. The embarrassing loss puts a stop on the Jazz’ mini two-game winning streak. They will face the New York Knicks in their next assignment.
OTHER GAMES AROUND THE LEAGUE:
Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 123-116
San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 116-113
Chicago Bulls toppled the Portland Trail Blazers, 111-108
