Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Lakers’ 101-84 win over the Orlando Magic.
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Minutes into the game when the Magic lost their final lead. The Lakers tied things up at four apiece with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter and never looked back, leading by as many as 19 points. Orlando worked its deficit down to three points with 11:21 left in the game, but the Lakers promptly scored nine unanswered points to squash the Magic’s comeback bid.
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Lakers in double figures. With Kobe Bryant given the night off to rest, L.A.’s scoring was spread evenly amongst the remaining Lakers. Jeremy Lin (18), Tarik Black (14), Ryan Kelly (13), Carlos Boozer (12), Jordan Hill (11) and Ed Davis (10) all reached the 10-point mark in Bryant’s stead. Boozer and Davis recorded double-doubles by adding 12 and 10 rebounds, respectively, while Kelly’s scoring total serves as his new season high.
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Minutes played by Black. The rookie, who had previously played just one quarter for the Lakers, went off for 14 points and nine rebounds in his limited minutes. With his outburst, Black became the first player in franchise history to pile up so many points and rebounds in so few minutes.
“I just went out there and worked hard, and it ended up working out for me,” Black said. “That’s just my thing. I play with a lot of energy. And as far as rebounds go, I seek the ball. When the ball goes up, I see it and go get it. That’s been my thing the whole time I’ve been in the NBA.”
18
Points scored by Lin, who led all players. The first-year Laker went 5-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-5 from 3-point range. However, his shooting was just one part of a stellar performance, as Lin tallied a game-high six assists and a season-best four steals, while also blocking two shots.
“It’s one of those things where when you have it going, the ball naturally will find you,” Lin said. “And the team caters to you and gets you going or kind of rises the momentum. I was just trying to stay aggressive and tried to get everyone involved as much as I could while still attacking the basket.”
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Rebounds grabbed by the Lakers. L.A. outrebounded Orlando by 24 boards for its biggest margin of the season. Three Lakers finished with at least eight rebounds, and the team also held an 18-4 advantage on the offensive glass. In fact, Black had more offensive boards (five) than the Magic’s entire team.