By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points and had eight assists plus six rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 113 – 106.
James also “won” the first battle of the season against Giannis Antetokounmpo, the man who beat him in the 2020 MVP race. The Greek Freak finished with 25 points on 11-17 shots plus 11 rebounds but also committed nine turnovers.
“We’ve got to keep working, keep playing good basketball for longer periods of time, make shots, defend better, rebound the ball better,” Antetokounmpo said after the match. Ultimately, we’ve got to get better.”
LeBron didn’t see the match as a clash between MVPs. “It’s never been about individual (honors),” he said. “It’s all about the team success. That’s all that matters. … I just want to play well and help our team versus any opponent. That’s what it’s all about.”
Dennis Schroder had an off night, scoring four points on 2-10 shots. Marc Gasol scored three points for the Lakers while Thanasis Antetokounmpo dropped two points in seven minutes for the Bucks.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 16 points and Rudy Gobert posted a double-double of 12 points plus 11 rebounds while delivering four blocks in the Utah Jazz’s 129 – 111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Donovan Mitchell was the star for the Jazz with 36 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Willy Hernangomez played two minutes and scored two points for the Pelicans.
In the other NBA game held Thursday, the New York Knicks downed the Golden State Warriors 119 – 104 behind 28 points plus five assits by RJ Barrett plus the 16 points, 17 rebounds plus nine dimes courtesy of Julius Randle.
Steph Curry had 30 points for the Dubs.