MANILA, Philippines – The LA Clippers spoiled LA Lakers’ championship ring reception ceremony with a convincing 116-109 win on December 22 (Wednesday Manila time) in the 2020 - 2021 NBA Opening Night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Resting for just 71 days after copping their 17th title, every NBA fan expected the LA Lakers to be mentally ready but physically tired entering the 2021 season.
True to that, the Lakers had a hard time in recording buckets and paved the way for their rivals, LA Clippers to get a way by a mile in the opener.
Clippers’ new guys Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum provided a big spark for their team, supported by stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for an early 22-point advantage in the opener.
By addressing their turnovers on the first, the Lakers, led by finals MVP Lebron James and Anthony Davis erased the big lead and ended the first half with just a shot.
Prior to the “Battle of LA”, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 48 points as the Brooklyn Nets thwarted the comebacking Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Both the Lakers and the Clippers had a shootout in the 2nd half but it was George who bested everyone and dropped 33-points combined with Leonard’s 26 on the Lakers to record his team’s first victory of the season.
Despite the loss, James and Davis scored 22 and 18 points respectively.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
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| Paul George bucketed game-high 33 points to stun the defending champions LA Lakers. Photo Credit: Bleacher Report |
Resting for just 71 days after copping their 17th title, every NBA fan expected the LA Lakers to be mentally ready but physically tired entering the 2021 season.
True to that, the Lakers had a hard time in recording buckets and paved the way for their rivals, LA Clippers to get a way by a mile in the opener.
Clippers’ new guys Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum provided a big spark for their team, supported by stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for an early 22-point advantage in the opener.
By addressing their turnovers on the first, the Lakers, led by finals MVP Lebron James and Anthony Davis erased the big lead and ended the first half with just a shot.
Prior to the “Battle of LA”, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 48 points as the Brooklyn Nets thwarted the comebacking Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Both the Lakers and the Clippers had a shootout in the 2nd half but it was George who bested everyone and dropped 33-points combined with Leonard’s 26 on the Lakers to record his team’s first victory of the season.
Despite the loss, James and Davis scored 22 and 18 points respectively.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
