Led by Ryan Kelly’s 21 points on 7-12 shooting (5-6 from three), the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-98 Friday night. Kelly’s 21 points were a season-high and his five made three-pointers tied his career-high.
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After a season-high night, Kelly still recognized that he has not had an impressive season, and he understands how valuable these last few games are in proving why he deserves wear the purple and gold.
For me individually, super valuable,” Kelly said when asked about how valuable the Lakers final games are for him personally, despite the Lakers having the fourth worst record in the league. “I didn’t have the season I would’ve liked, looking back on it. Every opportunity I have these last few (games) it’s an opportunity to continue to prove to the coaching staff, my teammates, and our fans that I should be here.”
Friday night was Kelly’s fifth 20+ point game of his career and just the second this season. Not only way Kelly plagued by hamstring injuries to start the year, but Kelly was also utilized out of his true position for most of the season. After Friday night’s game, Scott recognized that despite using Kelly at the three position for most of the year, he would not do it again, unless it were out of necessity. Scott admitted Kelly is a true four and that showed in his game Friday night.
Scott also credited Kelly for his ability to get the offense moving, “without any agenda” against Minnesota. On what he’s looking to improve on, Kelly said he’s hoping to improve his rebounding numbers, continue to get the ball moving and be known as a “ball friendly bug guy.”
[divide]VIDEO: Byron Scott Credits Ryan Kelly With Starting Unselfish Ball Movement