Lakers-Cavaliers takeaways: D.J. Augustin couldn’t miss in L.A.’s win

The true signal that D.J. Augustin was cooking for the Lakers was when his three-point shot hit the rim late within the second quarter Monday in Cleveland and bounced excessive off the backboard … after which dripped by means of the online for yet one more trey.

Augustin didn’t miss a shot within the first half, making all six of his photographs from the sphere and all 5 of his threes, for 17 first-half factors.

He didn’t miss a shot all the sport, going seven for seven from the sphere and 6 for six from three-point vary.

Augustin credited LeBron James and Russell Westbrook for having religion in him and passing him the ball throughout the Lakers’ 131-120 win over the Cavaliers.

“Simply being able to shoot,” Augustin mentioned. “Taking part in with guys like Bron and Russ, they create and draw a lot consideration and so they’re so prepared at passing and discovering guys. All we’ve got to do is be able to catch and shoot and knock it down. Simply staying prepared. That’s the most important factor.”

When Augustin entered the sport within the third quarter, he was nonetheless on hearth.

His first shot was a three-pointer from the nook, easing by means of the online just like the earlier 5.

“I’ve all the time flourished in my profession with shooters and D.J. is a shooter,” James mentioned after posting a triple-double of 38 factors, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. “He’s a big-time maker and each time I see him have any cut up second of open, I’m gonna attempt to discover him, particularly if I’ve the ball in my hand. And tonight, he was big-time all through the entire sport, going excellent, seven of seven, six of six from the three-point line.”

In 11 video games with the Lakers, Augustin is making 40% of his three-pointers and 45% of his photographs total.

“Like I mentioned, enjoying with Bron and Russ, individuals are double-teaming them and working guys at them for no purpose — effectively, it’s a purpose — however working guys at them, and so they’re principally leaving us open simply to catch and shoot or swing it to totally different choices,” Augustin mentioned. “I wouldn’t say it’s straightforward, however our job is fairly straightforward. And it’s a must to be assured and still have to work in your sport outdoors and make photographs. You simply can’t catch and shoot it and assume it’s going to be computerized. We’ve put within the work to be prepared for these alternatives. They usually’re so unselfish that we simply must be able to knock it down.”

Over his 14-year profession, Augustin has shot 38% from three-point vary.

When Lakers coach Frank Vogel was in cost in Orlando, he noticed first-hand how Augustin may shoot with effectivity from lengthy distance for the 2 seasons they have been collectively.

Vogel was impressed by Augustin as soon as once more.

“I don’t assume you will be any higher. I feel the expectation now could be he’s proven us he can shoot 100% from the sphere, so now we count on him to do this shifting ahead,” Vogel joked. “Not allowed to overlook any extra photographs. Joking, clearly. D.J.’s, he’s a heck of a participant. I’ve coached him previously. I’ve seen him develop even within the years after I used to be accomplished teaching him in Orlando. … He offers us quite a lot of confidence. And he was enormous within the first half and all through, and an enormous a part of the win.”