Google News The Lakers' Resurgence: From Missed Playoffs to Fighting for Sixth Place
by FARUK IMAMOVIC | VIEW 505
The Los Angeles Lakers had a rocky start to the season, causing many to doubt their ability to make the playoffs. However, in recent times, they have been playing at a high level and are now in contention for the coveted sixth place, which grants direct access to the playoffs.
A Resilient Lakers Team Battles for Playoff Position
The Lakers secured a 123:111 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, improving their record to 39 wins and 38 losses. This win has propelled them into the race for the sixth seed, which would secure their place in the playoffs.
As a refresher, the top six teams in the league are automatically entered into the playoffs, while the teams ranked seventh to tenth compete in a play-in tournament for the final two playoff spots. The Lakers had a standout performance from Anthony Davis, who recorded 38 points and 17 rebounds.
LeBron James also contributed with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised Davis for his aggressive play, stating, "You’ve got to have that one pivotal force that’s leading the charge, and in our case with this particular team here in the moment it’s AD.
When he comes out and he’s aggressive and we’re feeding him and he’s not settling and he’s putting pressure on the paint, putting pressure on the rim, we find ourselves having a lot of success." Davis, who had 38 points in the Lakers' recent win against the Chicago Bulls, stated, "We’ve made some huge climbs, but we’re not finished.
We’re hungry to not only make the playoffs but make some noise."
Denver Stumbles in the West
The Denver Nuggets suffered a 100:93 loss to the Phoenix Suns, putting them in danger of losing first place in the West.
They currently have just two more wins than the Memphis Grizzlies, who defeated the LA Clippers with a score of 108:94. Nuggets player Kevin Durant expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, stating, "I like how we played in the first half, but it was a bad second half for us.
We just let our foot off the gas a little and they were playing extremely hard. ... We've just got to do a better job of sticking with it." The Portland Trail Blazers experienced another defeat, this time at home against the Sacramento Kings with a score of 138:114.
Other notable results from around the league include: Charlotte - Chicago 91:121, Indiana - Oklahoma City 121:117, Philadelphia - Toronto 117:110, Washington - Orlando 109:116, Boston - Utah 122:114, Brooklyn - Atlanta 124:107, Cleveland - New York 116:130, Houston - Detroit 121:115, Golden State - San Antonio 130:115.
