FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Raptors – 8/1/2020

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The Los Angeles Lakers played their second game of the NBA season restart on Saturday night against the Toronto Raptors.

This game was reminiscent of the 1980’s NBA basketball, as the matchup seemed to be more of a dogfight than a game of basketball. Between both teams, there were a total of 53 fouls committed. Despite this, with their defensive efforts and efficient offensive attack, the Raptors were able to upset the Lakers, with a final score of 107-92. The Raptors offensive assault proved to be too much for Los Angeles, but it was Toronto’s defense that made the most significant difference in the outcome of this game. Toronto held the Lakers to 35.4% from the field, 25% from three, and they forced the Lakers to turn the ball over 17 times.

 

Photo Credit: CBS Sports

The story of the game was the explosive performance of Kyle Lowry. Lowry shifted into turbo in this game, erupting for a game-high 33 points. He also dished out six assists and snagged a game-high 14 rebounds. He was 2-8 with 11 points at half time, but flipped the switch and scored 22 points in the second half, splashing four three-pointers in the process.

“I just got aggressive. I just wanted to go out there and get the win,” said Lowry. “We got a team full of scrappy guys, true professionals that go out there and want to win every single night. Coach made some adjustments; we were out there doing a little bit too much talking. We wanted to go out there and do our job.”

Other vital contributors for the Raptors included OG Anunoby dropping 23 points, Fred VanVleet with 13 points and 11 assists, and Pascal Siakam with 15 points and nine rebounds.

 

The Raptors next game is on Monday, August 3, where they are set to face off against the Miami Heat at 10:30 A.M. PST.

 

The Lakers let this game get away from them. Going into halftime, the Lakers led the game 44-41. Then, everything fell apart, as they allowed Toronto to outscore them 31-26 in the third quarter and 35-22 in the fourth quarter. Through Toronto’s rugged defense, LeBron James and Anthony Davis had been locked down by the half.

The Raptors held the both of them to a combined 8 points heading into the break, but LeBron didn’t let that stop him. The King was able to shake off the defense in the second half. Despite his struggles, he still managed to finish the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists on 46.7% shooting. James didn’t shoot well from the charity stripe either. He finished the game 57% from the free-throw line.

 

Photo Credit: CBS Sports

His partner in crime, Anthony Davis didn’t fare any better and wasn’t able to find his rhythm all game long. He finished the game with only 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 28.6% shooting.

Other notable performances for Los Angeles include Kyle Kuzma with 16 points and four rebounds, Alex Caruso with 11 points, and Dion Waiters with 12 points. Danny Green couldn’t get a shot to fall as he went 0-7 with no points in the contest.

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do about it,” James stated when asked about what the team could do about the team’s shooting struggles. “You execute your offense and get the best shot, and we did that tonight.”

 

The Lakers return to the court Monday night against the Utah Jazz at 6:00 P.M. PST on ESPN.

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Mike Dancy II

Twitter: MDancyII

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