Two games with a reorganized squad, two wins: The transfers just before the All-Star break seem to be paying off for the Los Angeles Lakers. And the Dallas Mavericks are also on the right track in the NBA with their newly formed superstar duo.
The Los Angeles Lakers also won their second game after the major roster reshuffle, beating defending champions the Golden State Warriors 124-111. National basketball player Dennis Schröder came off the bench again in the first game after the All-Star break and made a good showing. In his 27 minutes he recorded 13 points and 6 assists. The best pitcher for the Lakers was newcomer Malik Beasley with 25 points, while Klay Thompson recorded 22 points for the Warriors.
Winning against the higher-ranked Warriors was of great value to the Los Angeles team on their hoped-for path to the playoffs. Steph Curry was still missing the Warriors injured. "It was good, we led by almost 20. The ball moved well in the first quarter, good defence," said Schröder. "Now I get the ball too. The ball runs through me, so I have a better feeling when I throw a three than just running from corner to corner. I think that's a good thing."
The Dallas Mavericks previously beat the San Antonio Spurs 142:116, the combination of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Iriving seems to be working. Doncic recorded 28 points and 10 assists, Irving delivered 23 points and made 6 baskets. The Orlando Magic prevailed in a close duel with the Detroit Pistons and won 108:106. Franz Wagner was the best thrower of his team with 21 points, his brother Moritz Wagner had 9 points. Orlando have alternated wins and losses for seven games. In the Eastern Conference, Wagner and Co. are still in 13th place with 25 wins and 35 losses.
The league's top two teams also came out of the break with wins. The Denver Nuggets, number one in the Western Conference, took a 115-109 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Boston Celtics won 142-138 at the Indiana Pacers, the team leads the Eastern Conference table.
