NBA scores: Lakers edge past Clippers in 103-101 clutch victory to bag 1st NBA bubble win

NBA season resumed on Thursday (Friday IST), with LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers finally defeated LA Clippers, while Utah Jazz beat Zion Williamson and New Orleans Pelicans. Players returned to court with audiences to cheer for m at ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Teams determined to carry out ir promise of supporting movement against systemic racism, locked hands and knelt during national anm before a tip-off. 

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NBA scores: Lakers vs Clippers result

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Lakers established a massive 13-point lead during first quarter, though Clippers caught by second half, reducing gap to 54-52. Anthony Davis has a massive first-half, followed by a stunning third quarter, which he finished with 34 points. Lakers had 6 turvers during third quarter, letting ir lead slip for first time since game began.

However, Davis and James scored back-to-back points to regain ir advant. James made  game-winning bucket after rebounding his own miss, before defending Kawhi Leonard during his final possession, forcing a pass to Paul George, who missed clutch shot. Clippers were missing both Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, while Dion Waiters scored in double digits for Lakers off bench. 

Lakers are w 6.5 games ahead of Clippers on Western Conference standing. Clippers head coach Doc Rivers spoke to reporters after game, stating that y have "too many" self-inflicted wounds during game, which led to ir loss against Lakers. Without Williams or Harrell, Clippers gave Lakers 29 points off turvers. Though y lost, Leonard expressed satisfaction over game, as he thought it was "great to be back on floor." Clippers and Lakers will face Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans respectively on Saturday (Sunday IST). 

Lakers vs Clippers scores

Lakers

• Anthony Davis points: 34 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
• LeBron James points: 16 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST
• Kyle Kuzma points: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST
• Dion Waiter points: 11 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST

Clippers

• Paul George points: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
• Kawhi Leonard points: 28 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
• Patrick Beverley points: 12 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST
• Reggie Jackson points: 10 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

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NBA scores: Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans result

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With 23 points to his name, Jordan Clarkson led Jazz to a 106-104 victory on Thursday. Pelicans were leading for most of game, but lost ir lead after Brandon Ingram missed his three-pointer during final few minutes of game. Rookie Zion Williamson, who was cleared to play after his quarantine, scored 16 points for Pelicans in just 15 minutes. Clarkson added 5 rebounds and 3 assists to his 23-point performance, while Dovan Mitchell and Mike Conley recorded 20 points each. 

(Im source: Los Angeles Lakers official Instagram – @lakers)