The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz for their first win of the season and these three players stood out in the win.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the win column for the first time in the 2019-20 NBA season. After a disappointing loss to the LA Clippers on opening night, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in their home opener, 95-86.
The Lakers can credit their defense for the win over the Jazz. After struggling to slow down the Clippers in the season opener, the Lakers looked more locked in on that end of the court against the Jazz.
Utah shot 41.4 percent from the field and 32 percent from deep. The most stunning number was how many turnovers were forced, as the Jazz turned the ball over 22 times. The Lakers also got on the glass better tonight, as they won the rebounding battle 42-40.
Three players tied for the team lead in rebounds, as Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Dwight Howard all pulled down seven. The frontcourt proved to be a huge mismatch, as the Lakers starting duo of James and Davis outscored the Jazz starting forwards, Joe Ingles and Jeff Green, 53-7.
It was nice to see the Lakers play so well defensively as their offense wasn’t exactly clicking. Los Angeles shot only 39.5 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from the 3-point line as the Jazz are one of the best defensive teams in the league.
While it wasn’t the prettiest game, the Lakers got the win, which is what matters the most. Next on the docket for the Lakers is another home game, this time against the visiting Charlotte Hornets.
But, before we get to that game, lets take a deeper dive into Friday’s victory over the Jazz. Here are three standout performers from the Lakers’ first win of the 2019-20 NBA Season.