After the LA Lakers’ 105-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Anthony Davis weighed in on the crucial timeout decision made by Jazz head coach Will Hardy. The timeout, which was called just before Collin Sexton’s potential game-winning layup, altered the final moments of the game. Davis indirectly supported Hardy’s choice, suggesting that he likely would have blocked the shot had the whistle not blown.
Davis Shares His Take on the Timeout
In his postgame interview, Davis explained the situation from his perspective. He noted that he was in position to block Sexton’s layup but stopped upon hearing the whistle. He added, “I don’t know if he would’ve made it, I probably would’ve blocked it.” His comments indirectly defended Hardy’s decision, which some fans may have questioned as it erased a potential game-winning moment for the Jazz.
The Game’s Tense Final Moments
With just 1.6 seconds left, Collin Sexton made a layup that would have given the Jazz a one-point lead. However, the whistle for a timeout was blown just before the shot, nullifying the basket. After the timeout, the Jazz struggled to score on the ensuing inbound play, leading to a Lakers victory.
Will Hardy’s Reflection on the Timeout
Jazz coach Will Hardy acknowledged the difficult nature of the situation in his postgame remarks. According to KSL reporter Ryan Miller, Hardy admitted that he felt responsible for denying Sexton the chance to finish the game in a dramatic way. Hardy reportedly said, “It’s hard because you don’t know exactly how it would’ve ended up had they not blown the whistle and everybody kept playing. Maybe Collin would have finished it. I told (Collin) in the locker room I robbed him of a moment at the end of the game.”
Davis and LeBron Shine in the Win
Despite the controversy surrounding the final play, Anthony Davis and LeBron James were the driving forces behind the Lakers’ win. Davis posted 33 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and a block, continuing his MVP-caliber season. LeBron James added 27 points, 14 assists, five rebounds, and two blocks, contributing heavily to the Lakers’ victory.
- Davis’ Performance: 33 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
- LeBron’s Performance: 27 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Lakers’ Strong Performance and Jazz’s Struggles
With the win, the Lakers have now won six of their last 10 games and sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 12-8 record. Meanwhile, the Jazz continue to struggle, sitting second-to-last in the West with a 4-16 record and currently on a four-game losing streak.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will aim to maintain their momentum as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves next on Monday. With Davis and LeBron leading the way, LA hopes to continue climbing the Western Conference standings.
SOURCE: Sportkeeda.com