Two of the Los Angeles Lakers newcomers, Wesley Matthews and Marc Gasol, who joined the team this past offseason, saw their playing time diminish lately with the additions of Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore.
After not playing for several games, the two appeared on the floor against the Denver Nuggets as the reigning NBA champions were without LeBron James and Dennis Schroder. Both Matthews and Gasol were given 17 minutes of playing time by the head coach Frank Vogel.
Matthews finished the game with 8 points while Gasol had 10 points and 7 rebounds as the Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak.
After the game, Vogel talked about what these two players brought to the game. “We got a deep team. Everybody has to stay ready. I was happy for Wes. To come in and perform the way he did on both sides of the ball knocking down shots but really playing some tough defence which we’ve missed the last few games.
“I don’t think our defence has been where we want it to be our last few games. Marc and Wes are two of our better defenders. To have those guys back in set a great tone for us.
“It’s just one of those things. We’re going to need everybody on this team. We got a deep team. Certain nights certain numbers are going to be called and certain nights not. But a great testament to those guys staying ready.”
