Credited from: APNEWS
The San Antonio Spurs marked their return to action with a convincing 126-102 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 14. Both teams came back from postponements caused by severe wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area. Notably, the Lakers had two home games delayed prior to this match, increasing the stakes for their first outing back.
In a strong offensive display, Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle each netted 23 points, leading the Spurs' charge. The Lakers, despite showing promise early in the game, ultimately lost their third consecutive match. Anthony Davis stood out for Los Angeles, scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while LeBron James added 18 points and eight assists.
The game entered its final quarter tied at 89-89, but the Spurs pulled ahead by outscoring the Lakers with a stunning 37-13 run. The decisive moment came as they scored 25 points to the Lakers' nine in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, effectively sealing their victory.
The Lakers led by as much as 11 points in the third quarter, but could not maintain their momentum. In contrast, San Antonio's performance was described as gritty, showcasing resilience after their own three-game losing streak prior to this matchup. The Lakers' head coach, JJ Redick, faced personal challenges following the recent wildfires, but his team struggled to find rhythm and sustain their lead during the game.