So much for “tanking,” the Los Angeles Lakers have now won three straight games after grabbing a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, 101-93.
Jordan Clarkson registered yet another well-rounded game, capping a team-high 16 points to go with five assists and four rebounds. He continues his growth and gives Laker fans something to cheer about for the future.
The Bucks started off the game ice cold from the field, shooting just 6 of 16 with all six shots coming in the paint. However, the Lakers did not take much advantage, gaining just a six-point first quarter lead. The Bucks were able to find their offensive stride in the second quarter to take a 47-45 lead into intermission.
For the Bucks, Jerryd Bayless came off the bench and ignited an 18-2 second quarter run. He finished the game with 12 points in 32 minutes of play.
Milwaukee continued to strike in the third quarter, expanding their lead to 11 with less than two minutes remaining in the period. But, as they have done over the past two games, the Lakers kept fighting back. L.A. went on an 11-1 run to open the fourth quarter to cut Milwaukee’s lead down to one.
Wayne Ellington, who had zero points entering the fourth period, got hot late in the game, scoring all 14 of his points in the final stanza. He went 6 of 7 from the field in the fourth and helped his team grab the win.
Ed Davis’s defense and rebounding was also huge off the bench. He swatted three shots and added nine rebounds and eight points to his stat line. Jeremy Lin and Jordan Hill both chipped in 14 points off the pine. Hill also added seven rebounds, while Lin had six assists and five rebounds.
The Lakers were once again without the services of Nick Young, who is currently nursing a knee injury. Despite their sixth man being out for a second consecutive game, the Lakers bench stepped it up, scoring 41 points.
Robert Sacre and Carlos Boozer were two other Laker players in double-figures. Sacre punched in 12 points and five rebounds. Boozer scored 10 points and corralled six boards.
The Bucks were led by Ersan Ilyasova’s double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds on 50 percent shooting. Illyasova has been superb since Coach Jason Kidd inserted him back into the starting lineup. He’s averaged 14.3 points and 9.7 rebounds over the last three games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored a new season-high 25 points the last time these two teams met, scored 13 points, nabbed eight rebounds, and dished out four dimers. “The Greek Freak” was held in check for the most part in this one, as he went 4 of 12 from the field.
The Bucks were without one of their potent scorers, O.J. Mayo, who could have been a difference maker for them in this game. Khris Middleton was the only other Buck in double-figures with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Newcomer Michael Carter-Williams saw an increase in minutes but had a quiet game, dropping in eight points and four assists. It’s going to take Carter-Williams some time to fit in, but Coach Kidd has high hopes for the young sophomore.
The Lakers improved their record to 16-41 with the win, which is still fourth worst in the league.
“I think we’ve really been rallying together, coming together as a group, not worrying about ourselves individually,” Ellington said after the win.
The Bucks slipped to 32-26 with the loss. They had a chance to climb in the standings with a win tonight but ruined it. However, they have had an impressive season already and are in terrific position to clinch a playoff berth after a one year absence from the postseason.
The Lakers look to continue their phenomenal play on Sunday when they face the red-hot Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bucks will resume their short road trip tomorrow, February 28th, in Salt Lake City as they take on the Utah Jazz.