Los Angeles Lakers make statement in win over New Orleans Pelicans, Boston
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The Los Angeles Lakers put on an offensive clinic in their NBA win over the New Orleans Pelicans while the Celtics overcame a slow start to finish on top of the Wizards.
D’Angelo Russell — who was the subject of much trade speculation before the deadline —scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half, when the Lakers put up 87 points on the way to a 139-122 victory over the Pelicans.
The Lakers scored 51 points in the second quarter and all five Lakers starters finished with at least 20 points.
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It was quite the statement from the Lakers after a quiet trade deadline as the team opted to stand pat and save its asset for a big swing in the summer, although L.A. could also make a big move on the buyout market.
In fact, Spencer Dinwiddie was spotted sitting in the VIP seats at the game with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
Dinwiddie is a top target for the Lakers after being waived by the Toronto Raptors following a trade involving his former team, the Brooklyn Nets.
The 76ers, Pelicans and Mavericks are also expected to show interest in Dinwiddie, who met with Dallas GM Mark Cuban on Friday.
KINGS BREEZE PAST TIRED NUGGETS
In Sacramento, center Domantas Sabonis out-dueled Denver’s two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, posting his 16th triple-double of the season to propel the Kings to a 135-106 victory over the reigning champion Nuggets.
“As a competitor you always want to go against the best,” Sabonis told NBC Sports California of taking on Jokic — who is now second behind Sabonis on the season triple-double list with 15.
“Every matchup you get against him you’ve got that extra fire.” Sabonis connected on seven of his nine shots from the field on the way to 17 points, adding 17 rebounds and 10 assists.
Malik Monk led the Kings scoring with 23 points and Keegan Murray — who went scoreless in the Kings’ Wednesday loss to last-placed Detroit — added 17.
Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points but Denver missed a chance to edge ahead of Minnesota for sole the Western Conference lead.
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CELTICS OVERCOME BIG SCARE
The Celtics shook off a sluggish start, using a dominant third quarter to take control against the lowly Washington Wizards and holding on for a 133-129 NBA victory.
The league-leading Celtics looked dull and disinterested in the early going against a Wizards team ranked second-from-bottom in the East.
Unable to contain Washington in transition, the Celtics surrendered 71 points in the first half and trailed by seven at the break.
But they out-scored the Wizards 36-16 in the third quarter to seize control, pushing their lead to as many as 15 points and holding off a late rally bid from Washington.
Jayson Tatum scored 35 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists for Boston. Kristaps Porzingis added 34 points and 11…
Read More: Los Angeles Lakers make statement in win over New Orleans Pelicans, Boston 2024-02-10 07:26:27