LOS ANGELES_Larry Nance Jr. perused social media, enjoying the memes that emerged from the Los Angeles Lakers blowout win over the Golden State Warriors, and his soaring dunk over David West.
Julius Randle couldn't sleep, so he stared up into the dark until 3 or 4 a.m.
Lakers Coach Luke Walton watched a replay of the game, making notes of when certain things occurred, while his bulldog, Gus, sat on the sofa with him.
Hours later, they worked to let it all go.
To guard against the hangover that might occur from an emotional upset victory, the Lakers dived right back into their process Saturday. The staff met at 10 a.m. Practice began at 11, and lasted longer than most day-after-game practices do.
"We came in this morning and we watched some clips of our Golden State game and then turned the page," Nance said.
"That was it. We watched some clips of Phoenix and ran it over in practice. I think it was a good transition of that was last night, this is today and here's what we're focused on."
On Sunday, the Lakers will play the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The opponent doesn't carry the cache of the Warriors, nor are there the same emotional connections between the two teams.
But to Walton this is part of a teaching moment. This experience will teach his young team how quickly the highs can fade in a frenetic NBA season.
"Honestly, I think we're gonna come out a little flat tomorrow," Walton said. "I just think we are. It's natural after that type of win.
"I'm hopeful that doesn't happen. We'll prepare and we'll talk about it but we'll see how it goes. ... The win yesterday means nothing if we come out and lose Sunday."
Walton learned that mentality in part from former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who coached Walton when he entered the NBA.
