Russell and Monk play their best game
Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk combined for 52 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 117-120 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night at Staples Center. The game had to be decided in overtime; it is the third game so far this season for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won all three games in overtime.
“It was a great fight, we have many casualties, we are still adapting and getting to know each other, we faced a great team (Miami) that many say are the best in the East. Our defense competed and was at the height of the confrontation, especially in the second half. We pulled out an important win,” shared Angelinos coach Frank Vogel.
Russell Westbrook is slowly finding his rhythm as a Lakers player. The adaptation has not been easy, but in the game against Miami, according to the feedback from the crowd, the new star had his best performance wearing the purple and gold uniform. Westbrook finished with a triple-double of 25 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists, his third triple-double so far this season.
“It’s unbelievable the response from the crowd. When you’re already getting tired, it’s getting close to the end in the last quarter, you’re well focused and all of a sudden, to turn around and see everybody standing, supporting, that’s something that as a player I appreciate, I value and I try to leave everything on the court every time,” shared Russell Westbrook, who is in his first season with the Angelenos in his 14th year as a professional.
Malik Monk, who, like Russell, joined the Los Angeles Angels for this season, had a spectacular night, scoring 27 points off the bench, the most he has scored with the Lakers so far. He was the night’s leading scorer, hitting 10 of 13 shots from the field and 4 of 7 three-pointers.
“That gives us character and spirit as a group, knowing that even with so many turnovers, we have enough talent to fight, stay afloat, play the right way and have shooters that light it up to change a team, they did that today,” Russell said of his teammates.
With four minutes to play, the Lakers were down by 8 points. At that point, not only the team’s stars showed up, but players like Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington came up with accurate shots to get back in the game, force overtime and take the win.
“Our group believes in each other, we are on a good path with a mentality to keep growing, improve where we went wrong, focus on the overall goal and keep pushing,” Vogel related. “This group will be fine, there have been bumps early in the season, but we believe we will do special things this year.”
Lakers remain without LeBron James (pulled abdominal muscle), Rajon Rondo (thigh), Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb), Kendrick Nunn (right knee), Austin Reaves (thigh) and Trevor Ariza (right ankle).
After back-to-back wins over Charlotte and Miami, the Lakers improved their record to 7-5 in the Western Conference. Their next game is on Friday hosting Minnesota Timberwolves.
