When our offense is going, it’s our defense that’s not, when our defense is going, it’s our offense that’s not – D’Angelo Russell after loss vs Jazz

 

Los Angeles Lakers D’Angelo Russell admitted that when their offense is going strong, there defense is not able to back up and vice-versa. The Lakers suffered a 132-125 loss against Utah Jazz on Saturday night to lose their second consecutive match.

The Lakers took the first quarter by 39-31 but could not keep up the good show in the next two phases of play. Davis had 15 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, but shot just 5 of 21 from the field and committed six turnovers.

D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with a season-high 39 points and eight assists but it was not enough in the end. The Lakers were without the services of LeBron James, who missed out with an left ankle injury.

“When our offense is going, it’s our defense that’s not. When our defense is going, it’s our offense that’s not,” Russell said. “I really don’t know what’s going on.”

The Jazz and the Lakers combined for 63 free throw attempts over four quarters. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham feels it disrupts the rhythm of the game.

“That’s a lot of free throws between both teams combined,” Los Angeles coach Darvin Ham said. “It totally disrupts the flow of the game.”

On the other hand, Lauri Markkanen had 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Jazz and played a key role in the team’s win.

“It’s taken a while, but I think we’re finding an identity on both ends of the floor and we’re able to execute night in and night out,” Markkanen said.

The team’s head coach Will Hardy was delighted with the team’s fifth win on the bounce.

“We didn’t want this game to be played all in the halfcourt,” Hardy said. “We felt like our speed in transition was an advantage. The team did a really good job of recognizing that and getting out and running.”

The Lakers will next take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.