As the Lakers began a six-game journey, LeBron James was out due to a problem with his left ankle. James missed the Lakers’ 123-122 Double-OT victory over the Bucks led by Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.
With 37.8 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Austin Reaves scored a game-winning 3-pointer and had a triple-double to help the Los Angeles Lakers overcome the Milwaukee Bucks 128-124 on Tuesday night.
Once again, Anthony Davis was unstoppable, finishing with 34 points, a game-high 23 rebounds, four blocks, two steals, and two assists. After gaining momentum in the second half, D’Angelo Russell finished the game with 29 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5-12 from three-point range.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee also had a triple-double, topping his points total with 29, rebounds (a season-best), and assists (11). For the Bucks, Malik Beasley contributed 21 points and Damian Lillard scored 27. Russell made two free throws with 14.7 seconds left to make it 126-121 after Antetokounmpo missed two with 24.2 seconds left.
Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves masterclass without LeBron James
LeBron James was replaced in the starting lineup by Spencer Dinwiddie, who also started the game when Russell returned from a one-game absence owing to a non-COVID sickness. The regulars from Davis, Rui, and Austin joined them.
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The squad struggled to create rhythm and cohesiveness in the first frame, and things never got any better. In the first quarter, they made 28% of their field goals and fell by as much as 19. The Lakers were behind 32-16 at the half, but thanks to a late basket by Anthony Davis, the score was slightly better at the break.
However, they rallied for one of their finest victories of the year with a huge fourth-quarter drive that allowed them to get back into the game. That’s significant since the most recent victory over Milwaukee ranks among the team’s finest victories of the year.
LeBron will need to put on quite the show for the Lakers against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, but that’s an issue for another day. In overtime, Anthony Davis continued to shoot well from long range, making one of his three 3-pointers.
