Los Angeles Lakers (49-26) beat Washington Wizards (17-58) 120-101 at home on Monday, March 30.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Wizards struck first, taking the opening quarter 26-25 and a 1-point lead after one. The Lakers moved in front with a 40-18 second quarter, carrying a 21-point lead into halftime.
The Wizards won the third 33-26 to stay in front, taking a 14-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers took the fourth 29-24; the Lakers finished the job for a 120-101 regulation win.
What decided it
The Lakers made 31.6 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 12.9 for the Wizards. The Lakers got more from their shots, finishing at 60.1% effective field-goal shooting compared with 47.8% for the Wizards. The points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
The Wizards did win one battle, ball security: TOV% of 8.7 against 15.1. The Lakers made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 102 possessions per team, the Lakers produced 118.2 points per 100 possessions to 99.4 for the Wizards.
The Lakers' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 56-39.
Who made the difference
LeBron James was the game's biggest individual force for LAL: 21 pts, 10 reb, 12 ast on 8-16 shooting. His Game Score of 20.7 led everyone. His team was +25 with him on the floor.
Justin Champagnie led the Wizards with 18 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast on 8-12 shooting, good for a 16 Game Score.
LeBron James (21 pts, 10 reb, 12 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Lakers about a 93% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, Los Angeles Lakers lead 3-0.
The Lakers are now 49-26, and the Wizards are 17-58. The Lakers last five before this game: W-W-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.