South Bay Lakers face challenging G League schedule
The G League’s South Bay Lakers beat the Northern Arizona Suns on the road, lifting their record to 9-9.
Despite the Suns being last in the entire G League with only two wins, they challenged the South Bay Lakers in a close finish, 124-120. Both teams took turns going on scoring runs, only changing the lead four times.
With 14 seconds on the clock and the Lakers up by one point, the Suns fouled back to back for their downfall. Reggie Hearn and Devontae Cacok collected three of the four available points for the win.
Aside from the clutch free-throw shooting, Cacok had 22 points and 17 rebounds, his fourteenth double-double of the season. Hearn also put up 22 points and seven rebounds. Zach Norvell Jr. also came to play, with 20 points and eight rebounds.
After a light holiday break, South Bay will return to its regular weekly schedule. Starting on Tuesday, December 31, the Lakers will face the Texas Legends. The Legends are third in the G League Western Conference and on a 3-game winning streak. Being on the cusp of a winning record at .500, this will be a critical game for South Bay.
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This is not the first time they will be playing a high ranked team, and they will have the home-court advantage on their side. The Legends do well on the road, but if the Lakers can restrict Dakota Mathias and box out Antonius Cleveland then they’ll stand a chance.
Next up will be a road trip to Sioux Falls to play the Skyforce on Thursday, January 2. South Bay has beaten Sioux Falls in both of their previous meetings. The key to this game will rely on the intangibles.
Two games this week one day apart, plus the travel time to South Dakota can wear on the players. The Lakers have the skills to beat the Skyforce, it’s just how much energy they can put into the game, especially after a tough match up with the Legends.
Finally, South Bay will play the Texas Legends again, on Saturday, January 4 in Frisco, Texas. With such a close matchup against the Legends in the same week, it will come down to adapting and making quick adjustments.
Win or lose on Tuesday, the Lakers will have to adjust their game plan to avoid being predictable and to fix any issues that the Legends cause. Distributing shots will crucial with Cacok being a target, and Gary Payton II no longer on the team.
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As South Bay nears the halfway point of the season, earning these wins will be essential. Additionally, keeping the players healthy and rested will allow them to continue their high scoring and distribution of shooting without having any offensive weaknesses.