Lakers march a serious comeback against Toronto to avoid back-to-back losses
Team is very pleased with role players stepping up to lead
Recap of Raptors/Lakers game played on January 9, 20241st Quarter
For some reason for the Lakers this season, they have had somewhat of a difficult time in the first quarter of games. They seem to be a step slow and it's something that they seem to be aware of, but just not exactly how to change it and tonight's game against the Toronto Raptors was another example. The Raptors got on the board first, thanks to Pascal Siakam, but it was Thaddeus Young, who was in the starting lineup because Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors' starting center is dealing with a sprained left ankle. Thaddeus Young scored ten points in the quarter himself, but his aggressive offensive approach helped the Raptors at one point in the quarter lead by fourteen, 20-6. The Lakers were just not hitting shots. The Raptors led by seventeen following a layup by Denis Schroder, 26-9, but the Lakers scored the final five points of the quarter to trail 26-14.
2nd Quarter
The Raptors maintained their double-digit lead for a few minutes to start the second quarter. Christian Wood along with D'Angelo Russell started knocking down some jumpshots and also attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. Austin Reaves joined in the fun during the second quarter as the Lakers, were down 30-18 early on, tied the game and took the lead on two free throws from Taurean Prince. The Lakers extended their lead going into halftime, to seven points, 53-46.
3rd Quarter
The Raptors scored the first four points of the quarter, bringing the Lakers lead to just three points, 53-50. LeBron James, who had been held scoreless in the first half got on the board quickly, hitting a jumpshot and then scoring on a layup to put the Lakers lead back to seven, 57-50. The Raptors then went on a quick 10-2 run and recaptured the lead, 60-59 when R.J. Barrett knocked down a three-pointer. Tied 64-64, Christian Wood who has been playing very well as of late, gave the Lakers the lead 67-64, hitting a three-point shot. Wood would hit another three-pointer towards the end of the third quarter, giving the Lakers a nine-point lead, 79-70. Despite the Raptors taking the lead back briefly in the quarter, the Lakers ended up back up by seven-points heading into the fourth quarter, 81-74.
4th Quarter
Early on in the fourth quarter, former Lakers guard, Dennis Schroder knocked down a jumpshot to tie the game up 84-84. From that moment on, D'Angelo Russell was fouled and sent to the free throw line where he knocked down both and the Lakers retook the lead 86-84 and they would not allow the Raptors to get any closer. The Lakers outscored Toronto 27-10 for the rest of the quarter and won by the final score of 111-94.
 |
@ |  |
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 26 | 20 | 28 | 20 | 94 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 14 | 39 | 28 | 30 | 111 |
Pascal Siakam - 21 points, 4 rebound, 8 assists, 2 blocks
R.J. Barrett - 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block
Gary Trent Jr. - 15 points, 1 rebound
Thaddeus Young - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Scottie Barnes - 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Los Angeles Lakers Player Stats
Christian Wood - 20 points (7-8 FGs, 3-3 3Ps), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
D'Angelo Russell - 20 points, 5 assists
Taurean Prince - 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Austin Reaves - 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
LeBron James - 12 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal
Anthony Davis - 10 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Upcoming Schedule
1/11/24: vs. Phoenix Suns
1/13/24: @ Utah Jazz
1/15/24: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
1/17/24: vs. Dallas Mavericks
1/19/24: vs. Brooklyn Nets
1/21/24: vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Reaves scores early with the layup
Davis getting away from the defense and finishes uncontested
Then Davis finishes over the defenders
Davis jumper is on point
