Lakers head coach David Fizdale gave credit to his players for their defense on James Harden in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Nets.
Fizdale was very satisfied that his players managed to contain Harden, who was unstoppable in the first three quarters. “Credit to Russ, Talen and Stanley Johnson for fighting on him the way they did. Stanley Johnson was FANTASTIC,” Fizdale told reporters afterwards, via Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll.
The excellent defense on Harden was one of the reasons for the 31-8 run that let the Lakers tie the game in the fourth quarter. The All-Star guard finished the game with 36 points.
Following their Christmas Day victory (122-115), the Nets remained on top of the East, at 22-9. On the other hand, the Lakers lost their fifth straight and dropped to 16-18.
With the Nets and the Lakers being among the betting favorites to win the title, visit Pickswise for the latest odds in all NBA games.
