Without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased resilience and determination, rallying from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit to clinch a 128-124 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in a double-overtime thriller during Tuesday’s NBA action.
Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis orchestrated the comeback, which helped the Lakers win their fourth consecutive game.
“It was one of those moments that you could either flip the page to tomorrow, get ready for that game or you could go out and compete 110% and give yourself an opportunity or at least try to give yourself an opportunity to get back in the game,” Reaves shared, highlighting the team’s pivotal decision to fight back amidst adversity.
Reaves, achieving his second career triple-double, played a crucial role, including hitting a decisive tiebreaking 3-pointer late in the second overtime.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Davis, battling through a knee issue, contributed significantly with 34 points and 23 rebounds, emphasizing the team’s capability to erase substantial leads due to the high-scoring nature of the league today.
“A 20-point lead in this league now, it’s nothing because of the way the offense is right now in the league, so high-powered that you can wipe away a lead pretty fast,” Davis remarked after the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a triple-double, but it wasn’t enough to fend off the Lakers’ late surge. Antetokounmpo called for introspection and improvement from his team following the loss, especially in critical moments of the game.
“We’ve got to watch this game, learn from this game,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Watch why we weren’t able to get a stop. Watch why the ball wasn’t moving down the stretch. Watch why we lost the game. Watch why there was a lot of 50-50 balls and we weren’t able to get them.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Despite James’s absence due to an ankle issue, the Lakers found ways to compensate, with significant contributions from D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.
The game’s intense nature was evident as both teams battled fatigue, leading to a scoreless first three minutes in the second overtime until Reaves broke the deadlock with his critical three-pointer.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The victory is a testament to the Lakers’ depth and fighting spirit, setting a high note as they continue their six-game road trip against Memphis.
Meanwhile, the Bucks, reflecting on their missed opportunities and execution down the stretch, look to rebound against New Orleans.
