Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James returned from injury on Friday night, scoring 21 points to boost the Lakers to a 105-94 win over the San Antonio Spurs in what was their first win on the road this season. James had previously been sidelined for five games with a left groin strain.
“The fourth quarter has always been my favorite quarter,” James said after scoring eight of his points during that late stage of the contest. “That’s winning time, that’s closing time and to be out there and being able to execute and make plays in the fourth quarter, it’s always a treat for me.”
James’ partnership with fellow key player Anthony Davis made all the difference for the Lakers, with the two pairing up to score a combined 19 points in the fourth quarter alone. This is equal to the points total that the Spurs racked up as a team during the same period.
The Lakers struggled to find consistency without James during his five-game absence, with their record during the period sitting at 3-2 which included a three-game winning streak. During this time, Davis emerged as the Lakers’ gamechanger, averaging 33.2 points and 17.4 rebounds including a season-high 38 points during the victory over the Detroit Pistons on November 18.
