Dude went off and apparently has ice in his veins:
IN his post-game press conference he said his dad texted before the game which is something that his dad does not ordinarily do (anymore).
"..He usually texts me after the game(s).." Russell said in regards to his father.
"He asked me if I was hungry. HE was like, EAT, and I was like, oh, ok now I know what you mean.."
D'Angelo ATE alright
{ 39 pts on 14/21 FG, 8/12 3pt., 6 Reb, 3 As, 1 Stl, 3 TO, +13}
A record-setting performance by the rookie_ via Mike Trudell, Lakers Reporter in THIS interview with Larry Nance Jr.
"The most a Lakers' rookie, I think, has had since 1959 when Elgin Baylor did it a couple of times..."
Larry Nance Jr. made some tremendous plays of his own, including a high flying blocked shot off the backboard that was negated on a call for "offensive interference:"
And THIS dunk off a sweet no-look pass from Marcelo Huertas who has not had a whole lot of run this season..
Huertas got 5 assists in 14 minutes and really helps the flow and pace, particularly as a set-up man for "Gelo" and Co.
Jordan Clarkson played great ball including his own Mamba Moment to close the third quarter giving the Lakers a five point advantage:
There were moments of inspired play and stellar TEAM DEFENSE. Swaggy 3 not ONLY showed up but so did Swaggy D:
And here is a contribution by Tarik Black who plays perfect defensive position on Brook Lopez, who had 23 points, and receives help defense by Larry Nance Jr:
Nance, literally, had Black's Back. He also had Marcelo's. In his post game interview he looked to correct a turnover stat that had been given to Marcelo:
"I felt bad that I think they gave him the turnover for, that's MY turnover...I always look out for my point guards.."
T E A M
Speaking of TEAM
It REALLY is not whether you win or lose it IS how you play the game and this team, for the most part, played pretty decent team ball on BOTH sides of it
THIS is WINNING |
And, on the heels of watching the "Top 10 Chickisms.."
It is fitting that THIS game ended with "Gelo (not Jello) Jigglin" as D'AnGelo Russell hits two consecutive three pointers to ice and close the proverbial door on this one..
LIGHTS OUT!
LA has been missing this...