By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
An early exit for LeBron James damaging the Los Angeles Lakers made out a favorable situation for the Atlanta Hawks resulting in the 99-94 victory at Staples Center on Saturday.
James, 36, hurt his right ankle in the first half and returned to the locker room after one more three-pointer. With ten early points to his name, the Lakers ruled him out for the remainder of the match shortly after.
Italian Danilo Gallinari produced 18 points off 6/12 field goals coming off the bench. Swiss Clint Capela added eight points and 16 rebounds. Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic ended up with ten points. John Collins poured a game-high 27 points and grabbed 16 rebounds helping the Hawks pull away in the second half.
Montrezl Harrell with an extremely strong effort in the final period went for a team-high 23 points in the losing effort. German point guard Dennis Schroder piled up 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Atlanta matched the Miami Heat at 22-20 and fourth place in the Eastern Conference dropping the hosts to 28-14.
Photo Credit: Getty Images