Masterful defense and Kyle Lowry’s outstanding game propelled the Toronto Raptors to a 107-92 victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Photo by Rick Bowmer/AP
Lowry amassed a monster stat line of 33 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists as the defending champs issued a stern warning to the rest of the league. OG Anunoby, the Raptors’ defensive ace, had a high-scoring output of 23 markers, while Pascal Siakam chipped in 15 points, 9 boards, 3 dimes, 2 steals and 2 blocks in the win.
With the Lakers leading by three after the first two quarters, the Raptors buckled down to work in the second half. They clamped down on defense, and outscored the Lakers by 13 points in the final frame to run away with the resounding victory. Starting combo guard Fred VanVleet also contributed 13 points, 5 boards and 11 dimes.
LeBron led the charge for the Lakers with his 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kyle Kuzma came off the bench to tally 16 markers. Star big man Anthony Davis only came up with 14 markers, while shooting a lowly 28% from the field.
The Lakers suffer their first official loss in the bubble, just a couple of days after booking a powerhouse victory over Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakeshow will try to bounce back when they go up against Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
SCORES
Raptors (107) – Lowry 33, Anunoby 23, Siakam 15, VanVleet 13, Gasol 8, Powell 8, Ibaka 4, Davis 3, Thomas 0, Hollis-Jefferson 0, Watson 0, Boucher 0
Lakers (92) – James 20, Kuzma 16, Davis 14, Waiters 12, Caruso 11, Morris 6, Caldwell-Pope 5, Howard 5, McGee 3, Green 0, Smith 0, Cook 0
