Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from win against Dallas Mavericks

The Los Angeles Lakers' Lonzo Ball (2) passes around the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki under the basket in the third quarter at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. The Lakers won, 107-101, in overtime. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers' Lonzo Ball (2) passes around the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki under the basket in the third quarter at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. The Lakers won, 107-101, in overtime. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)
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DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 13: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 13, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 13: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 13, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Finishing Strong

One of the main problems for the Lakers this season has been their late game inconsistencies. The team has had quite a few close games – less than a ten point margin – this season. They have had 22 close games to be exact. Unfortunately, however, the team has been unable to finish these games off strong as they have a record of 8-14 in such games.

Yesterday afternoon, however, that was not a problem for the Lakers. Aside from Lonzo and Ingram growing as players, seeing the team be able to come from behind and finish a game off strong was promising.

After being down by as much as ten in the fourth quarter, the Lakers rallied back to tie the game by the end of regulation. In overtime the team outscored the Mavs, 12-6, and won the game.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played great as he scored ten in the fourth quarter and overtime. He finished the game with 17 points on a red-hot 62.5 percent shooting.

Hopefully the Lakers can continue their strong defensive play, confidence in the fourth quarter, and trust in each other to extend their win streak. The team will take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.

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