Lakers make it 7 straight win with rout of Heat
LOS ANGELES — Anthony Davis had 26 points and nine rebounds, and LeBron James scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ seventh consecutive victory, 95-80, over the Miami Heat on Friday night (Saturday,
Phl time). James hit a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the waning minutes to seal another victory for the NBA-leading Lakers, who haven’t lost since their season opener against the Clippers.
Los Angeles’ superstar duo teamed up impressively again, but the Lakers held off Jimmy Butler and the Heat with solid team defense.
The Lakers held Miami to one field goal and six points in the final 8:54, limiting the Heat to 6-of-35 shooting on 3-pointers and outrebounding them 48-37 to win a meeting of division leaders off to outstanding starts to the new season.
Butler scored 22 points and Goran Dragic added 19 for the Heat, who still lead the Southeast Division despite losing twice on their three-game Western road trip.
The Lakers returned home looking good after a 3-0 road trip with tough victories at Dallas and San Antonio.
Davis and James have already formed a fluid partnership, and their complementary players are growing into their roles while the Lakers play already solid defense.
In the other game, Pascal Siakam equalled his career best with 44 points as the Toronto Raptors dominated in almost every aspect of the game and beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-104.
The Raptors scored the first 15 points of the second quarter for a 75-53 halftime lead to seize control of the game and improve to 6-2 on the season.
Siakam finished 17 of 28 from the floor and had 20 rebounds for the Raptors, who dominated despite missing guard Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka who were both injured.
Fred VanVleet had 12 points and 11 assists, and OG Anunoby contributed 21 points and seven rebounds.
Pelicans starting point guard Lonzo Ball struggled mightily against Toronto and did not play at all in the fourth quarter. Ball finished with five points and had four turnovers.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 27 points and Jrue Holiday added 16 points.
In the lopsided first half, the Raptors made 13 of 23 threepointers and outscored the Pelicans 31-9 on fast-break points.