vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Dec. 19
Matthews’ high-profile defensive assignments certainly didn’t let up from the first game of the 2019-20 season.
In what was one of the biggest games of the season featuring the two best teams in the league and from each conference, Matthews was tasked with having to defend one of the league’s greatest players, this time in Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward, LeBron James, in the Bucks’ 111-104 victory over the Lakers.
While certainly giving up plenty of size to the three-time NBA champion, it was a matchup in which Matthews showed off his impressive lower body strength to slow down a weathered James as the Lakers were on the final game of a long road trip.
And once again, Matthews was successful in limiting his superstar assignment as James scored just eight points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field (2-for-4 from downtown) and forced a pair of turnovers and even blocked James in nearly seven and a half minutes of game time.
This time around, Matthews’ strong defensive outing was paired with a very solid offensive night, thanks to his improved shooting performance from long distance.
All in all, Matthews posted 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field (3-for-7 from three, 2-for-4 from the free throw line), four rebounds, three steals, two assists as well as two turnovers, a block in over 30 and a half minutes of run.