By Nick Giongco

If given the chance to serve, Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) president Ricky Yanson Tuesday assured everyone that Philippine football is going to greater heights in line with his focus to discover genuine local talent.

“Philippine football is going to be fun and it will improve further,” Yanson told the PSA Forum on Tuesday at the Amelie Hotel.

Yanson is challenging incumbent Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta when elections are held on Nov. 29.

Yanson is staging the Luzon Cup under-12 meet this weekend in Tarlac.

“We envision more age group tournaments for boy and girls,” he said.

In preparing for major tournaments, the PFF continues to sign up foreign players with Filipino lineage so it could beef up its roster.

Yanson believes starting at a young age is instrumental in finding players who can the Philippines call one of their own.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

HOUSTON — James Harden has been scoring at such a prolific rate this season that his 36-point effort in Houston’s rout of Portland on Monday night actually caused his average to dip.

“For him he had a subpar night,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said with a slight laugh.

Russell Westbrook added 28 points and a triple-double to help the Rockets to their eighth straight win, 132-108.

Harden, who has scored at least 30 points in eight straight games, had six rebounds, five assists and a steal. He leads the NBA by averaging a career-high 39.2 points this season. The second-highest scorer in the league is Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is well behind Harden at 30.3 points a game.

“I think that a lot of people like to normalize greatness when you see it over and over again,” Westbrook said. “But it’s not normal because there’s no one else that can do it. If it was normal everybody would do it. He’s put himself in a position to one of the best … scorers of all time.”

Westbrook had 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season and the 141st of his career after sitting out to rest in Houston’s last game on Saturday night.

Coach Mike D’Antoni loved the way Harden and Westbrook worked together on Monday night.

“You’ve got a dose of (Westbrook’s) athleticism coming at you and they’ve got to get back and get a wall and then … it didn’t quite go and get it back to James and just let him do what James does,” D’Antoni said. “It’s a pretty good 1-2 punch, that’s for sure.”

The Rockets led by double digits for most of this one on a night they got starters Clint Capela and Danuel House back after both players had missed time with injuries.

Houston was up by 18 with about five minutes left when Harden made a 3-pointer to make it 120-99. Westbrook collected his 10th assist when Harden made a layup with about 3 1/2 minutes left for Houston’s next points and the pair along with P.J. Tucker headed to the bench for good after that.

CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 25 points in a game where Damian Lillard shot just 4 of 15 and had 13 points.
Stotts was unhappy that his team had more rebounds overall than Houston but had just 12 offensive rebounds to 17 by the Rockets.

“The thing that was probably the most disappointing was their offensive rebounding and how they converted their offensive rebounding into points,” he said. “I thought that was the difference in the first half.”

Houston led by 23 points entering the fourth quarter after scoring 35 points in a big third quarter. The Trail Blazers cut it to 102-85 with about 9 minutes to go but Westbrook had the next three points to pad the lead.

The Trail Blazers cut the lead to 11 with a 3-pointer by McCollum with about 8 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

The Rockets then used a 19-6 run to make it 94-70 with about 2 1/2 minutes left in the period. Harden had six points in that stretch and Tucker made a 3-pointer and added five points.

The Rockets were up by 14 at halftime after a 15-point second quarter from Harden.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

DALLAS — Luka Doncic grew up idolizing LeBron James, and now the young NBA prodigy has joined James in the record book.

The Dallas Mavericks needed everything Doncic delivered in a sensational performance Monday night.

Doncic scored a career-high 42 points to go with 12 assists and 11 rebounds as the Mavericks held off the skidding San Antonio Spurs 117-110. The 20-year-old second-year guard joined James as the only players in league history younger than 21 to have a 40-point triple-double.

“It feels like every day there are stats you don’t know about, stats that you read about,” Doncic said. “It’s great to hit.”
Dallas led wire to wire but had to fend off a late Spurs rally, with Doncic hitting a 3-pointer with 26.5 seconds to play that put Dallas up 115-110 after the Spurs had rallied from 14 down at the start of the quarter.

Doncic has an NBA-leading six triple-doubles in just 13 games this season.

“This guy can do anything he wants to on a basketball court,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s having one of those magical runs right now. It’s a phenomenal thing to watch. It’s a phenomenal thing to be a part of.”

Dallas also got a career-high 22 points from Dorian Finney-Smith, and Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Spurs have lost six in a row, their longest slide since 2011, and dropped eight of nine since a 4-1 start. They’re off to their worst start since 1996-97, the season before they drafted former star and current assistant coach Tim Duncan.

DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 36 points for the Spurs, helping to lead a fourth-quarter surge after they trailed 93-79 entering the period.

“When adversity hits you can’t run from it, you can’t shy away from it, you can’t let it get you down,” DeRozan said. “Try to channel that energy and put it in the right place so we can understand why we got beat.”

With Dallas up 110-107, both Bryn Forbes and Patty Mills missed potential game-tying 3s. On the ensuing possession, Porzingis lost the ball going up to shoot but Finney-Smith scooped it up and fired an off-balance 20-footer as the shot clock expired. It fell through to put Dallas up five.

“I looked at the clock, and it just bounced right to me and I threw it up,” Finney-Smith said. “Exactly like we drew it up.”

After Rudy Gay’s 3 brought the Spurs back within two, Doncic stepped back and hit the 3 that finally finished off San Antonio.

Finney-Smith shot 8 for 10 from the field, including three 3s. All the more impressive was that the fourth-year wing, who has built a reputation with his defense, had his career game while also drawing a tough assignment in DeRozan.

“I think I owe (Carlisle) some money because I said I wouldn’t go for his pump fake, and he got me one time,” Finney-Smith said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

 

By WAYLON GALVEZ

Games Tuesday (Mall of Asia Arena)

1 p.m. – San Beda vs Lyceum (Jrs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs Letran (Srs)

It was during the 91st season when an underdog Letran squad hoisted the NCAA championship trophy following a stunning victory against archrival San Beda in the do-or-die Game 3.

Four years later, the two teams are again in the same situation.

Defending three-time champion San Beda clashes against the ‘underdog’ Letran in another winner-take-all Game 3 to decide the winner of the NCAA Season 95 Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It is a fitting ending to an exciting best-of-three showdown between two proud teams with a long history of animosity that was again magnified in the finals for the coveted title.

The two teams split the first two games – exactly what happened during the 2015 season – with Letran winning Game 1 65-64 last week, then San Beda tied the series with a 79-76 victory in Game 2 last Friday.

That sets the stage for this ‘sudden death’ Game 3 scheduled at 4 p.m. and multitudes of supporters expected to pack the arena to the rafters after more than 18,000 showed up in the previous match, and witness either Letran takes title No. 18 or San Beda continues to add to its record 23rd championship

While it is frustrating what happened in the previous game when the Knights bungled an opportunity to win the game – and the series – after Bonbon Batillier missed a layup late in the fourth period, Knights mentor Bonnie Tan keeps a positive outlook.

“After almost a won game we had in Game 2, the boys had developed much camaraderie and took it as a positive experience in their basketball career,” said Tan yesterday.

“Everything happens for a reason, in the right time. Now they (his players) are prepared, and very hungry for the title,” added Tan, who is in his first finals stint on his very first year with the Knights.

Letran hopes to get the same results from that 2015 title series against San Beda when the Knights downed the Red Lions 85-82 in Game 3, which denied the later a sixth straight championship.

In order to do that, the Knights need a healthy point guard Fran Yu, who stayed on the bench in the final three minutes of Game 2 due to cramps after scoring 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field.

Also, graduating players Jerrick Balanza and Batiller need to deliver, as well as forward Jeo Ambohot and center Larry Muyang, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds the last timeout.

San Beda, for its part, will try to be more consistent come Game 3 after blowing a 15-0 lead early in Game 2, which allowed Letran to get back into match with a big third quarter run behind Yu.

“The previous game was a test of character for us, and I’m very proud that we’re able to overcome that challenge. Now it’s a test of will, whoever wants it more gets the title,” said San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez.

“I’m confident that after winning Game 2, I know my players are up for another challenge. It’s going to be tough against Letran, but the key is we need to defend well and execute our offense.”

Calvin Oftana, the season MVP and hero in San Beda’s win in Game 2, needs to be aggressive and maintain his form after scoring 17 points – far from his lackluster performance on Game 1 where he had seven points.

Also expected to provide support for Oftana are James Canlas-Kwekuteye, who scored 21 points in Games 2, Evan Nelle, Clint Doliguaz, and Cameroonian import Donald Tankoua.

Meanwhile, the junior’s division title is up for grabs when the San Beda Red Cubs play the Lyceum of the Philippines University Junior Pirates at 1 p.m. after the two teams split the first two games.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Jamal Murray didn’t take long to erase a bad night against Brooklyn.

Murray, who was missed 10 of 11 shots against the Nets last time out, connected on his first four on Sunday en route to a season-high 39 points as the Nuggets dominated the Memphis Grizzlies for a 131-114 victory.

“It was just preparation,” Murray said of the difference. “I mean, I know I didn’t shoot well (against Brooklyn), so I wanted to bounce back. Start out by being aggressive. Miss or make.”

Murray added eight assists with no turnovers on the night, while connecting on 14 of 24 shots, including 7 of 12 from 3-point range. Murray didn’t play in the fourth quarter after Denver held a 108-80 lead after three.

“I had a feeling he was going to come out not only being aggressive, but shooting the ball at a high level,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “He’s too good of a shooter to continue shooting the way he had been recently.”

Paul Millsap had 23 points and Juancho Hernangomez finished with 15. Jerami Grant added 12 points as Denver won for the sixth time in the last seven, scoring a season high in points.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 22 points, including a career-high five 3-pointers. Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Clarke finished with 19 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.

A promising start offensively for Memphis, led by Valanciunas, eventually turned as the Nuggets’ defense tightened. Ja Morant’s flashy moves in the paint, along with other inside shots by Grizzlies shooters ended up returned by Denver rim protectors.

Denver’s seven blocks, coupled with nine Memphis turnovers in the first half, translated to a 72-49 Nuggets lead at the half. The major damage came in the second quarter with Denver outscoring Memphis 44-17.

“They raised their level to an elite level, and our guys just couldn’t really catch that second gear. It just wasn’t our day,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said, later adding: “We tried to claw back here and there, but that second quarter kind of got away from us.”

Murray already had 26 points by halftime, and characteristic of a young Memphis team, the Grizzlies simply didn’t have the experience to counter the Nuggets’ burst. Denver would eventually lead by as many as 33.

“Tonight, they just made shots,” said Morant, who had 13 points and six assists to go with four turnovers.

The Nuggets had 29 fast-break points to only 10 from Memphis, much of Denver’s a result of a defense that recorded 10 blocked shots and forced 16 Grizzlies turnovers leading to 25 points.

“I think that’s a fun way to play when you can play defense, when you can rebound and get out and run before they set their defense,” Malone said. “When you are running and sharing the ball, it is even that much more fun, so it was great.”

TIP-INS

Nuggets: Gave up 100 points for only the second time in the last seven games. … Will Barton, who was listed as probable after having left adductor tightness against the Nets, started but was limited to six points. … Previous high for points this season was 121 against Atlanta on Nov. 12. … Hernangomez was 5 of 6 from the field, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range. …Had 36 assists, a season high.

Grizzlies: Valanciunas has reached double figures in 12 straight games. … Memphis has made at least 10 3-pointers in seven straight games, matching the franchise record set in March of last season. … Entered the game leading the NBA with 55 points in the paint per game. Managed only 40 against the Nuggets.

TEAMMATE TRANSLATION

Hernangomez, in his fourth season out of Spain, was praised by Malone for the energy he brings to the Nuggets. Malone said the 6-foot-9 forward is contagious with the energy. “He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Murray said. “He’s always the first one to stand by the bench and clap for his teammates and cheer. He’s always talking, even if he can’t talk English.”

UP NEXT

Nuggets: Open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Grizzlies: Host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Markelle Fultz is fitting in nicely with the Orlando Magic.

The former No. 1 overall pick had 19 points and the deciding defensive play in a 125-121 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night.

Nikola Vucevic had 30 points and 17 rebounds and Evan Fournier added 25 points and nine assists, but the Magic nearly squandered an 18-point fourth quarter lead before Fultz stopped Washington’s rally.

Fultz made all six shots from the field in the first half, including a pair of 3-pointers, and finished 8 for 10 from the field. However, it was his defensive play that decided the game.

With Orlando leading 119-116, Fultz stole a pass and was fouled as he dunked the ball with 36.1 seconds left. His free throw finished the 3-point play and gave Orlando a six-point cushion that stood up for the team’s fourth win in its last five games.

“That was definitely fun,” said Fultz, who was drafted No. 1 by Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 before being traded to Orlando midway through last season. “You live for moments like that when the game is on the line and you’re out competing to see what everybody is made of. I love it that I got a chance to make a big-time play and I finished it off.”

Orlando needed it to withstand a couple of fourth-quarter rallies by Washington and its 3-point shooting team. The Wizards made 10 of 15 3-pointers in the final period and scored 44 points, but couldn’t play enough defense to overtake Orlando.

Bradley Beal scored 34 points and had eight assists for Washington, which absorbed its fourth loss in five games. The Wizards got 21 points from C.J. Miles and 15 from Davis Bertans.

“We are 10 games in (to the season) now so we have to dial back the amount of excuses we have,” Beal said. “We compete hard enough to win every game. We are top five on offense, so we know that’s not the problem. We just have to get stops.”

The Magic had to put down two furious rallies from the Wizards in the fourth quarter. Washington was down 95-78 early in the fourth quarter, but closed to within 97-91 on a 3-pointer from Moritz Wagner with 7:23 left in the game

The Magic lost both backup point guards, D.J. Augustin (dislocated finger) and Michael Carter-Williams (hip), to injuries in the second quarter, but Fultz picked up the slack.

TIP INS

Wizards: Washington missed its first seven 3-point attempts. … Beal limped away on his ankle after a drive to the basket in the first five minutes of the game but returned with no apparent ankle problem. … Reserve C Moritz Wagner, who had a history-making 30-point, 15-rebound performance in his last game, followed it up with 12 points and three rebounds.

Magic: F Jonathan Isaac missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle. … Reserve G Michael Carter-Williams left the game at the 10:50 mark of the second quarter with a hip injury. D.J. Augustin left six minutes later with a dislocated finger, but did return. He finished with 13 points.

UP NEXT

Wizards: Host San Antonio on Wednesday night.

Magic: At Toronto on Wednesday night.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Jrue Holiday looked to find J.J. Redick shot opportunities early and often against Golden State, and Reddick validated Holiday’s approach in short order.

“I’m looking for him every time,” said Holiday, who in the first quarter assisted on five Redick jump shots, four of them 3-pointers. “It’s not even if he takes the shot; he attracts so many bodies that he gets other guys shots.

“But when he makes them with like three people on him, it’s crazy,” Holiday continued. “It’s actually really cool to see.”

Redick scored 26 points, hitting his sixth 3-pointer of the game from the left corner with 1:09 left, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Warriors 108-100 on Sunday night.

“I’m going into a game with zero expectations and agendas,” Redick said. “Some nights it’s your night and some nights it’s not. … I’m just going to continue to play my game — and then they leave me open in the corner.”

Holiday had 22 points despite a difficult night shooting the ball and also had nine assists and eight rebounds. Jaxson Hayes had 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in the first start of his career.

Eric Paschall scored 30 points for injury-depleted Golden State, which has lost seven straight. Ky Bowman scored 19 points and Glenn Robinson III added 14.

Draymond Green helped out at point guard but didn’t have a good night statistically, finishing with seven points, six rebounds and four assists against three turnovers.

“There are some funky lineups that are out there because of our injuries and we’re short on shooting,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “If you can’t spread the floor shooting, you’ve got to be able to play with pace and make all the cuts. You’ve got to play faster. You have to get stops defensively so you can run.

“I didn’t think we did a very good job of making New Orleans guard,” Kerr added. “We just kind of took quick shots.”

Golden State trailed most of the game, but rallied from a third-quarter deficit as large as 17 to get as close as 77-74 on Marquese Chriss’ tomahawk jam over Nicolo Melli.

But Holiday — who shot 4 of 16 through three quarters before making five of his last seven — responded with free throws, two driving layups and a turnaround fade in succession to push the Pelicans’ lead back to double digits.

“It took a lot to just win this game,” Redick said. “Any time we got a lead, they just kept coming and I’m proud of our group for finishing them off.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit five 3s and finished with 19 points for New Orleans, while Melli was 5 of 7 from deep and scored 16. Melli even hit a 3 as he was fouled for a four-point possession, and New Orleans combined for 18 3s in all (on 46 attempts).

“Even with their guys injured, they still had shooting all over the floor,” Kerr said. “We didn’t give up dunks. We didn’t give up layups. They sprung free for open 3s all night long and we couldn’t score at the other end.”

TIP-INS

Warriors: Chriss had 10 points. … The Warriors shot 7 of 25 (28 percent) from 3-point range. … Green was called for a technical foul, his fourth of the season, while waiting for the Pelicans’ Hayes to shoot free throws.

Pelicans: Coach Alvin Gentry went with his 10th different starting lineup of the season — and seventh in the last seven games. Hayes, drafted eighth overall last summer, responded to his first start with a soaring block from behind on Robinson to thwart a fast break in the first quarter, drawing a raucous ovation from the crowd. … E’Twaun Moore scored 10 points.

TWO-NIGHT TEAR

Alexander-Walker, drafted 17th overall last summer, has made 11 3-pointers in the span of two games, having made six in a career-high, 27-point effort in Miami on Saturday.

“The game’s slowing down for Nickeil,” Redick said. “Secondly, to see the ball go in the basket is a big thing. It gives you confidence, obviously, and helps with your rhythm.”

INJURED LIST

Stephen Curry (broken left hand) and Klay Thompson (left knee) were just the beginning of the Warrior’s injury list. Also out were guard D’Angelo Russell (right hand sprain), forward Kevon Looney (Neuropathy), guard Damion Lee (broken right hand), forward Alen Smailagic (right ankle sprain) and guard Jacob Evans III (strained groin).

Top overall draft pick Zion Williamson (right knee), who has yet to make his NBA regular season debut, was joined in street clothes on New Orleans’ bench by guard Lonzo Ball (groin strain) and guard Josh Hart (left knee and ankle sprains). Also held out were center Derrick Favors (back spasms), forward Brandon Ingram (right knee soreness), center Jahlil Okafor (left ankle) and guard Frank Jackson (neck bruise).

UP NEXT

Warriors: Visit Memphis on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game road swing.

Pelicans: Host Portland on Tuesday in what could be Carmelo Anthony’s debut for the Trail Blazers.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Phil Younghusband, regarded for more than a decade as the face of Philippine football and the Azkals’ all-time leading scorer, announced his retirement after a decorated career for club and country.

Younghusband made the announcement Monday evening through his social media accounts, leaving behind a legacy that saw him play a key role in local football’s renaissance that began in 2010 with the upset of Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

The 32-year-old didn’t reveal in detail his decision to hang it up, though Younghusband has not seen action since playing for the Azkals in the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates last January.

“Hanging up my boots!” Younghusband said. “Thank you to my bosses, my coaches, team mates, competitors and all the supporters who have been part of my journey. See you all soon in a new adventure.”

View this post on Instagram

Hanging up my boots! Thank you to my bosses, my coaches, team mates, competitors and all the supporters who have been part of my journey. See you all soon in a new adventure ⚽️⚽️⚽️

A post shared by Phil Younghusband (@philyounghusband10) on Nov 18, 2019 at 1:42am PST

He also tied the knot with the former Margaret Hall in England last June.

Born in Surrey, England to an English father and Filipina mother, Younghusband was part of the Chelsea’s youth squad before he and younger brother were tapped to represent the country in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.

He eventually became part of the senior squad where his late second goal sealed the Azkals’ stunning 2-0 win over Vietnam in Hanoi, a feat still considered as one of Philippine football’s memorable moments.

Younghusband appeared in four Suzuki Cup semifinal appearances before becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer with 52.

Goal No. 50 came in one of the Philippines’ greatest football feats, scoring from the spot to seal the Azkals’ 2-1 win over Tajikistan that sealed the country’s first-ever appearance in the Asian Cup.

A jubilant crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium watched as Younghusband completed the home side’s comeback from an early second half deficit.

Phil Younghusband on whether Asian Cup berth cements his PH football legacy: “I dunno if I have a legacy. I think this cements everyone’s legacy.” pic.twitter.com/yT6wBepi77

— Jonas Terrado (@jonastsinelas) March 27, 2018

On the domestic front, Younghusband a prominent part of the Loyola Meralco Sparks during the days of the defunct United Football League. He led the Sparks to the 2013 UFL Cup title.

The Younghusband brothers transferred to the Davao Aguilas in the middle of the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League in 2017, but were denied of a Copa Paulino Alcantara title the following year by losing to Kaya-Iloilo in the Final.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

LeBron James wasn’t about to send Kobe Bryant home disappointed.

With the former Lakers great sitting courtside, the team’s current ranking superstar scored 12 of his 33 points during a breathtaking opening nine minutes for Los Angeles, which raced to a 25-point lead and handed the Atlanta Hawks their second ugly loss in 24 hours at Staples Center, 122-101 on Sunday night.

“I’m just trying to put on a show for him and give him a reason to be like, ‘OK, we might come to another game,’“ James said.

The 34-year-old James said it was “fantastic” to play in front of Bryant, who helped the Lakers win five NBA titles during his 20-year career.

“I know he came to a game last year,” James said. “Just having him in the building, knowing what he did to this franchise, and for me and my teammates what it means to be a part of Laker Nation, the Laker family, it’s a beautiful thing. I was one of the kids who had the chance to come out straight out of high school. He did it and I was just watching him. It’s just so surreal for me, a kid from Akron to be able to have a guy like Kobe take time out of his day. Even at this point in my career it’s still special.”

James joined the Lakers last season.

“I became part of the family and he welcomed me with open arms as well as everyone else. Just to have that support from one of the greatest Lakers to ever play is just special to me,” James said.

In a quarter full of highlights, James’ biggest play provided his first points. After JaVale McGee blocked Jabari Parker’s shot, James grabbed the ball, passed to Danny Green and took the return pass for a slam dunk that brought the crowd to its feet two minutes in.

James added two layups, a 3-point shot and a three-point play to help propel the Lakers to their 25-point lead with 3:17 still to play in the opening quarter.

He also fed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for consecutive baskets. James finished with 12 assists for his 11th double-double this season.

“He’s been at just an extraordinarily high level and dominating,” coach Frank Vogel said of James. “His effort on the defensive end has really spread throughout the group and the group has really bought into being dominant on the defensive end of the floor. We saw that in the first quarter with how we controlled the game from the start. Offensively, the shot making, his decision making, zero turnovers, 12 assists, I mean are you kidding me?”

The Hawks were routed 150-101 on Saturday night by the Clippers, who played without Kawhi Leonard.

Kyle Kuzma scored 17 points in the Lakers’ 11th win in 12 games. Rajon Rondo had 15, Anthony Davis 14, Caldwell-Pope 13 and Green and Alex Caruso 11 apiece.

Davis had five of the Lakers’ 14 blocked shots.

Trae Young scored 31 for the Hawks, who lost four of five on a swing through the West. Cam Reddish had 13 while Allen Crabbe, Parker and De’Andre Hunter each scored 11.

After falling behind by 25, the Hawks stopped the Lakers’ onslaught by going on a 13-0 run to close to 34-22. They got to 40-30 before the Lakers pulled away again. Green put an emphatic stamp on a 69-41 halftime lead when he swooped in to corral James’ missed shot for a slam dunk with 11 seconds before the buzzer.

James then hit consecutive 3-pointers for the Lakers’ first points of the second half and added a nice fallaway jumper.

“It’s tough when you can’t make shots,” Young said. “Give a lot of credit to them. They’re one of the best defensive teams in the league. We’ve just got to be better knocking down shots, working on our game and trying to be more crafty around defenses like them.”

“They were making a lot of blocked shots, making a lot of big plays. We had a lot of things that didn’t go our way. That’s how our season’s been. We’ll get down big and we have to fight so hard to get back into the game that we take all the energy out of ourselves and hard to get ourselves back into the game.”

TIP-INS

Hawks: Crabbe had a four-point play in the first quarter when he hit a 3-pointer and was fouled by Troy Daniels. He made the free throw to cut the deficit to 34-20. … The Hawks have lost three straight and six of seven.

Lakers: With Avery Bradley out, Caldwell-Pope earned a second straight start and third of the season after scoring 16 points in 99-97 victory over Sacramento on Friday night. … Dwight Howard energized the crowd when he blocked Parker’s shot early in the second quarter. … Bryant was shown on the big screen with 4:25 left in the first half and rose to acknowledge a standing ovation.

UNIQUE DOUBLE

Back at Staples Center less than 24 hours after absorbing a 49-point loss to the Clippers, Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce asked if he preferred the games were split up. “Yes,” he said. “Back-to-back on the road is tough no matter who the opponent is. Obviously you have two special teams with a lot of special talent with both of the L.A. teams. It makes it extremely difficult.”

UP NEXT

Hawks: Return home after a five-game road trip to host Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

Lakers: Host Oklahoma City on Tuesday night to finish a four-game homestand.

Source: Manila Bulletin