It must be some half time speech by Byron Scott. The Lakers emerge from the locker room at halftime as uninspired as you can get, that is if you’re not a corpse. The Lakers have the worst third quarter defense in the NBA, allowing 30 points in the quarter. In the last three games, the Lakers have given up an average of 34 points in the third quarter, erasing whatever opportunity previously existed to create distance between them and their opponent.
Nov 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Bennett (24) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forwards Jordan Hill (27) and Carlos Boozer (5) at the Staples Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 120-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets (31) points: Denver scored on six out of its first eight possessions to start the quarter including two layups by Kenneth Faried. The Nuggets ended up shooting 55%. They made four three pointers and scored 10 points in the paint.
Memphis Grizzlies (34) points: The first six minutes of the quarter the Lakers were competitive. They maintained the lead. The Grizzlies missed every three point shot they attempted. The score was 60-60 with six minutes left. And then, the Memphis avalanche aided by the Lakers coma began. The Grizzlies made 5 out of 6 shots, including two 3 pointers. They sank 6 free throws. A tied score turned into a six point lead. In the quarter, the Grizzlies shot 66%. They made all 8 of their free throws.
Minnesota Timberwolves (38) points: The Timberwolves scored 20 points in the paint. They shot 72% in the third. They had 12 assists. They made 9 free throws. Six different Timberwolves scored.