The South Bay Lakers put on a defensive clinic in their rematch against the Texas Legends, securing a gritty 104-99 victory. Just a day after a dominant offensive display, the Lakers showed they can win in more ways than one.
Kicking off with a strong 33-24 lead in the first quarter, South Bay extended their advantage to 17 points in the second quarter. While their scoring cooled off after that explosive start, their defense picked up the slack, stifling the Legends' offense throughout the game.
The Lakers' defensive prowess was evident as they held Texas to just 37.5% shooting from the field and a chilly 27.8% from beyond the arc. By forcing 16 turnovers, South Bay capitalized with 29 fast-break points, keeping Texas at bay with only 12 in return.
Leading the charge was Drew Timme, who notched 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting. R.J. Davis matched Timme's shooting efficiency, contributing 23 points and a game-high seven assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.
Bronny James also made his presence felt, scoring 17 points on 50% shooting, including 3-of-7 from three-point land. His all-around game was highlighted by seven rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block, though he did have four turnovers in his 34 minutes on the court.
With this win, the Lakers improved to a 13-8 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games behind the leading Stockton Kings. The Lakers are proving to be a versatile squad, capable of adapting their game plan to secure victories.