A big fourth-quarter push has helped the Los Angeles Lakers rally from behind for a big road win against the Spurs.
Monster lines from LeBron James and Anthony Davis predictably fuelled the comeback, with the Spurs unable to deny the defending champions.
Let's take a look at some of the takeaways from an entertaining night in San Antonio.
LeBron's triple-double domination
LeBron turned 36 earlier this week and celebrated the turn of the new year with his usual dominance.
The monster night produced 26 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals including an emphatic exclamation mark on the night.
With the Lakers leading 105-103 in the final minute, the left side of the floor was cleared out for LeBron to post up Derrick White. Using his significant size advantage, James bullied White under the basket to finish a lay-up through uncalled contact to ice the game.
Bron powers through Derrick White to close out the Spurs 👀 pic.twitter.com/naWBlSF3x9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2021
It was again one of those nights for James, who at times simply looked too big, too strong and too good.
Anthony Davis does as he pleases
The other half of the Lakers superstar duo was just as big of a handful, with Davis pouring in 34 points to go with 11 boards. AD was 13-for-26 from the field and 4-for-6 from 3-point range, continuing his efficient start to the season.
Davis is now up to 7-for-16 (46.6 percent) shooting from deep on the season. His previous high mark in his career is 34 percent during the 2017-18 season when he was a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Concern for KCP
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will leave the Lakers with one reason for concern after the win, with a nasty turn of his ankle in the fourth quarter.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a left ankle sprain and will undergo X-rays, per the Lakers
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 2, 2021
The next game for the Lakers is against Memphis after one day off, with Caldwell-Pope telling reporters postgame he is hopeful he will be able to suit up.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left ankle sprain) says he is hopeful that he’ll play Sunday in Memphis: “It’s a little mild sprain. Little ice. Little treatment ... I should be fine”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 2, 2021
Keldon Johnson continues fine start to 2021 season
The Spurs continue to unearth a number of promising young players on their roster, with Keldon Johnson being the latest.
At just 21 years old, Johnson was tasked with the matchup on LeBron James for much of the night, and while the man 15 years his elder was able to have a big night, Johnson also put up a bit statline, finishing with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
"He’s a competitor. He’s a fine young player and he’s going to have a great career," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said postgame. "That’s about all I can say. He’s been wonderful."
Keldon Johnson is dialed in from DEEP! 🎯
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 2, 2021
He just knocked down his 4th triple of the game. pic.twitter.com/RMQS3USIQV
Johnson was the No. 29 overall pick in the 2019 draft and after appearing in just 17 games in his rookie season has now found his place in the starting lineup in year two. After performances like tonight it's hard to see him falling out of the rotation any time soon.
What's next?
As mentioned earlier, the Lakers will have one day off before heading to Memphis for a showdown with the Grizzlies, while the Spurs will stay at home to host the Jazz after also having a night off.
The Los Angeles have improved to 4-2 on the season while San Antonio sit at 2-3.
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