In a breathtaking display of resilience, the Los Angeles Lakers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to topple the Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling double-overtime showdown, all achieved without the presence of LeBron James.
Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves spearheaded the Lakers’ charge to a stunning 128-124 victory on Tuesday night, overturning a daunting 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter merely to force the first overtime. Their path to the second overtime was paved by Davis, whose defensive heroics denied Damian Lillard’s potential game-winning shot.
AUSTIN 😎 REAVES 😎 pic.twitter.com/ZambGjBTs2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 27, 2024
The triumph propels the Lakers to a commendable 6-4 record this season in games played without James.
Davis delivered a monumental performance, amassing 34 points, 23 rebounds, four blocks, two steals, and two assists across a career-high 52 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Reaves showcased his versatility with a triple-double comprising 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while D’Angelo Russell contributed 29 points and 12 assists.
In a captivating display of dominance, this dynamic trio almost single-handedly shouldered the Lakers’ offensive burden in the fourth quarter, where they virtually erased the Bucks’ commanding 94-75 lead. Notable among Milwaukee’s regrets was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s uncharacteristic 1-for-6 performance from the free-throw line, which allowed the Lakers to seize control in the second overtime.
For Lillard, it was a forgettable outing, as he struggled from the field, shooting a mere 9-of-29 (3-of-14 from beyond the arc) to tally 27 points, with his only points in the second overtime stemming from a breakaway dunk off a steal.
Remarkably, this victory marks the second time this month that the Lakers have defied the odds against the Bucks in James’s absence, following their earlier triumph on March 8 at Crypto.com Arena, where Russell exploded for 44 points.
The Lakers’ fourth consecutive win elevates their season record to 40-32, positioning them ninth in the Western Conference standings, just two games behind the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns.