The LA Lakers could have won without LeBron James in a thrilling double-overtime game.
On Tuesday, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves helped the team beat the Milwaukee Bucks 128–124. They came back from being down 19 points in the fourth quarter to force the first overtime. Damian Lillard had a chance to win the game, but Davis blocked it. This sent the game to a second overtime.
The win brings the Lakers’ record this season without James to 6-4.
Davis played 52 minutes, which was the most of his career, and had 34 points, 23 rebounds, four blocks, two steals, and two assists. Reaves had a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Russell has scored 29 points and passed the ball 12 times.
That trio scored all but two of the Lakers’ points in the fourth quarter when the Bucks were ahead 94–75. Milwaukee had a lot to be upset about, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 1/6 night at the free throw line stood out as the Lakers took over in the second OT.
For 27 points, Lillard hit 9 of 29 from the field and 3 of 14 from 3-point range. It was a bad day at work for him. Because he stole the ball, he was able to score his only point in the second extra.
This is the second time this month that the Lakers have shocked the Bucks without James. On March 8, they beat them 123–122 at Crypto.com Arena. It was that game where D’Angelo Russell scored 44 points.
The Lakers’ record now stands at 40-32, with this being their fourth straight win. They are still in ninth place in the Western Conference, two games behind the Phoenix Suns for eighth place.