D’Angelo Russell secured a win over the Nets for the Lakers with a dagger three, then let everyone know what’s in his veins
The Los Angeles Lakers had a double-digit lead over the Brooklyn Nets in the second half, but the Nets chipped away at it to the point that the outcome was at least somewhat in doubt with just minutes left on the clock. That’s when rookie D’Angelo Russell stepped up to the plate and made a statement that no one can ignore.
After hitting a three on the previous Lakers possession only to have it answered on the other end by a Wayne Ellington triple, Russell took the ball up the floor and had a bit of space deep at the top of the key. Even a few steps behind the three-point line, Russell pulled up and drilled an absolutely gorgeous, clutch shot to push the Lakers back up by six. As such, the rookie then had to let everyone know just how ice cold he is, pointing to his arms and exclaiming, “Ice in my veins!” which every Lakers fan will emphatically agree with:
D'Angelo Russell drains his 8th three and HAS ICE IN HIS VEINS. pic.twitter.com/1UpCUnWeb0
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrisonSBN) March 2, 2016
Lakers fans who have been in Russell’s corner all season always believed that he was capable of this type of performance, even when head coach Byron Scott was keeping him on the bench at the start and end of games. Tuesday night was his emphatic statement that those fans and feelings were right all along.
Not only did Russell have the dagger three to seal the victory for the Lakers, but the 20-year-old rookie also finished the night with 39 points and with eight hits from long range to his credit. That 39 points is a regular season Lakers record and the highest by a rookie in the NBA this season, breaking Karl-Anthony Towns’ previous high of 35.
Next: Re-Examining the D'Angelo Russell-Emmanuel Mudiay Debate
If there’s anyone out there still maintaining that Russell is a bust, just show them this game and this shot on loop until they finally realize just how wrong they are. Sure it was the Nets, but don’t let that cloud the fact that this victory was largely on the shoulders of Russell from start to finish—and that means a great deal for a player who’s faced the internal adversity on the Lakers that he has this year.