The Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 105-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Behind dominant performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers survived a late rally by the Jazz to pick up their second win in six games and bounce back from recent struggles.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James Dominate
Anthony Davis continued his stellar form, posting a double-double with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Davis was pivotal in both scoring and defense, providing the Lakers with much-needed stability in the paint. Complementing Davis, LeBron James delivered a commanding performance with 27 points and 14 assists. His leadership and clutch plays in the final minutes were crucial in holding off a determined Jazz comeback.
AD, LeBron and the @Lakers get it done in Utah ⭐️
Davis: 33 PTS, 11 REB, 2 STL
James: 27 PTS, 14 AST, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/ylBZTnQP0w— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2024
Despite their offensive firepower, the Lakers endured a challenging shooting night, particularly from beyond the arc. Los Angeles hit just 7 of 33 three-point attempts (21.2%), with James going 0-for-9 from deep. However, their ability to capitalize on turnovers and their low error count ultimately made the difference. The Lakers committed only five turnovers, a stark contrast to the Jazz’s 15, which resulted in 20 points for Los Angeles.
Jazz Fight Back But Fall Short
The Utah Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen with 22 points and John Collins with 21 points and nine rebounds, showed resilience throughout the game. Walker Kessler added 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Collin Sexton contributed 15 points off the bench. Despite shooting an impressive 50.6% from the field, better than the Lakers’ 44.3%, the Jazz could not capitalize on their late-game opportunities.
Trailing by nine points with 5:33 remaining, the Jazz mounted a spirited comeback. A bucket by Kessler narrowed the deficit to one point with just over eight seconds to go. After grabbing a defensive rebound, Utah appeared to take the lead when Sexton drove to the basket and scored. However, Jazz coach Will Hardy had called a timeout just before the shot, negating what could have been a game-winning moment.
The subsequent inbounds play proved disastrous for the Jazz. With the Lakers triple-teaming Sexton, he lost control of the ball, failing to attempt a final shot before the buzzer. It was a heartbreaking end for Utah, who have now suffered their fourth consecutive defeat and eighth loss in nine games.
Key Moments in the Fourth Quarter
The game’s final quarter was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Early in the period, Lauri Markkanen cut the Lakers’ lead to two with a step-back three-pointer, keeping the Jazz within striking distance. However, Rui Hachimura provided a spark off the bench for Los Angeles, draining back-to-back three-pointers in quick succession to push the lead to 92-84.
Collin Sexton responded for Utah, scoring three consecutive baskets to bring the Jazz within four points at 94-90. LeBron James, as he has done countless times in his career, took control during a critical stretch, contributing four points in a quick 5-0 run that extended the Lakers’ lead to 99-90, their largest of the game.
LeBron James with a HUGE clutch bucket pic.twitter.com/bXhwIohRy3
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 2, 2024
Utah refused to back down, embarking on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to one point. The Jazz’s defense intensified, forcing the Lakers into tough shots, but their inability to execute in the final seconds dashed their hopes for a comeback victory.
Struggles From Deep
The Lakers’ poor three-point shooting nearly cost them the game. While Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell each contributed timely shots from beyond the arc, the team’s overall accuracy was dismal. James missed all nine of his three-point attempts, highlighting an off-night from long range.
In contrast, the Jazz were more efficient from beyond the arc, sinking 14 of 40 attempts. Lauri Markkanen, in particular, connected on key three-pointers that kept the Jazz within reach. Despite their better shooting, Utah’s inability to protect the ball and capitalize on late-game opportunities proved costly.
Turnovers and Defense Key for Lakers
One of the most significant factors in the Lakers’ victory was their disciplined play. Committing only five turnovers, Los Angeles minimized mistakes and took advantage of the Jazz’s errors. Utah’s 15 turnovers led directly to 20 points for the Lakers, a critical margin in a game decided by just one point.
Defensively, the Lakers executed well in crucial moments, particularly in the game’s final possession. By triple-teaming Collin Sexton on the inbounds play, they forced a turnover that sealed the win. Anthony Davis was instrumental on both ends of the court, using his size and athleticism to disrupt Utah’s rhythm in the paint.
Jazz’s Continued Struggles
The loss marked the fourth consecutive defeat for the Jazz, who are now 1-8 in their last nine games. Despite strong individual performances from Markkanen, Collins, and Kessler, Utah continues to struggle with consistency. Turnovers and defensive lapses have plagued the team, preventing them from closing out games.
Coach Will Hardy faces the challenge of addressing these issues as the Jazz look to rebound from their current slump. The team’s young core, led by Markkanen and Keyonte George, has shown promise, but they need to find ways to execute better in high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead for the Lakers
For the Lakers, this victory provides a much-needed boost as they navigate a tough stretch of the season. While their shooting woes remain a concern, the performances of LeBron James and Anthony Davis reaffirm their status as one of the league’s premier duos. As the team works to improve its consistency, this win could serve as a turning point in their campaign.
The Lakers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, focusing on improving their long-range accuracy and maintaining their defensive intensity. With James and Davis leading the way, Los Angeles remains a formidable force in the Western Conference.
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