Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Lakers’ 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
19
Rebounds grabbed by Tarik Black. The 23-year-old topped his previous career high by eight boards, becoming the first rookie Laker to haul in that many since Leroy Ellis in 1963. Black snagged only one rebound in the first quarter before tallying nine in the second on his way to setting a new NBA season-high for rookies.
“I just saw the ball coming off the board and paid attention to all of them,” Black said. “I saw that our game was slow rebounding, and I knew we had to step up the effort, so that’s what I did.”
20
Minutes played by Wesley Johnson, who did not play in the second half due to a sprained left ankle. Johnson’s loss was a big one for the Lakers, who do not have another healthy small forward on the roster, which forced Ryan Kelly to fill in for the majority of the game. Johnson was on track for one of his best games this season, churning out 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including four 3-pointers, in the first half. Meanwhile, Dwight Buycks suffered a fractured third metacarpal on his right hand, ruling him out for the season’s final two games.
Wesley Johnson Shot Chart
26
Points scored by Jordan Clarkson. Black’s fellow rookie had another explosive night, leading all players in scoring by shooting 9-for-19 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. Clarkson carried the load for L.A. in the second half, scoring 18 points, while knocking down each of his three 3-point attempts.
“If you look at his numbers, they were pretty good,” head coach Byron Scott said. “But I got on him a couple of times about running the team. He’s got to be a little more vocal at times. Defensively, he did a good job of laying off (Rajon) Rondo and trying to help.”
54
Points scored by Dallas in the paint. The Mavericks enjoyed a 16-point advantage in the key, where they shot 27-for-45 (60.0 percent). Tyson Chandler powered Dallas down low, scoring 16 of his team-best 20 points in the paint.
“(Chandler) is one of the real big-time difference-makers in this league,” Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. “When he is healthy, there are few guys that are better at what he does, if any. It’s great to see him moving the way he is right now.”
64.7
Percentage shot by the Mavericks in the fourth quarter. The Lakers entered the final period down by seven, and Dallas did not let them back into it. L.A.’s deficit swelled to as many as 18 points, as the visitors shot 11-for-17 to outscore the Lakers, 31-24, in the fourth.