The Los Angeles Lakers unloaded on the Indiana Pacers in the first 12 minutes, as they erected a 23-point lead, 38-15, to end the quarter — their largest opening quarter lead since 2004 when they pummeled the Atlanta Hawks by 46.
Lakers' 23-point lead after the 1st is their largest opening quarter lead since 2004 when they beat the Hawks by 46.#LakeShow #Lakers #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/FHz92yVltA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 30, 2018
The Lakers' surge was led by LeBron James who had 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also chipped in eight points on 3-of-3 shooting.
On top of their red-hot start from the field, the purple and gold locked down their defense too. They tallied seven blocks and one steal with 4:50 remaining in the first. The Pacers felt the Lakers' defensive wrath as they shot as bad as 10 percent from the field.
The Lakers now have 7 blocks and 1 steal with 4:50 left in the 1st Q, and they lead 21-5. The defense has been terrific, with Indy shooting 2 for 20 (10%). LAL are 10 for 13 (76.9%).
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 30, 2018
JaVale McGee led the defensive efforts, using his length, athleticism, and sheer determination to swat the ball. Below is an example of his efforts on the defensive end. Against four Pacers, McGee was able to make a defensive play by his lonesome.
Article Continues BelowJaVale McGee stops a 4-on-1!!!#LakeShow (📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/xcDfJXDw0D
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 30, 2018
Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, too, joined in the block party with a series of swats in what could've been an easy hoop for the Pacers. Hart, who's nursing an injured ankle, also made some stops by way of three steals.
Welcome to the School of Hard Blocks!#LakeShow (📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/AdUwyAyomX
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 30, 2018
Josh Hart has 3 steals in his 6 minutes so far. Looking like he’s moving better on that ankle he sprained in Cleveland after a few tough games.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 30, 2018
The Lakers end up winning the contest 104-96 behind James' 38 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.