The Los Angeles Lakers, who are without LeBron James, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-124 in double overtime on Tuesday thanks in large part to the heroics of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves in the fourth quarter.
With eight minutes remaining in the game, the Lakers were down by as many as 19 points. However, with the assistance of Davis and Reaves, they were able to catch up and generate enough offensive production to pull off an astonishing victory in the second overtime period at Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.
According to ESPN, Davis played 52 minutes, the most for a Lakers player since Kobe Bryant in 2012. During that time, he finished with 34 points, 23 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. The 31-year-old was clearly feeling the physical strain of the game toward the end, but he still mustered the strength to record two crucial late blocks against Bucks standout Damian Lillard to keep the game close.
James missed the game due to ankle pain, therefore Reaves also had a great second half to the game.
With 29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and just one turnover, he finished with a triple-double. Most of his best play came later in the game.
With just under 40 seconds remaining in the game, the 25-year-old guard made a crucial three-pointer to give the Lakers a decisive lead. He scored nine more points in the two overtime periods. Fifteen of his points came from this area.
Reaves reportedly told reporters after the game, “This is the stuff you dream about as a kid, being on the road with your guys, battling out an amazing team and having opportunities to make big shots.” This was according to ESPN.
Down the stretch, D’Angelo Russell also distinguished himself by overcoming a difficult first half and finishing with 29 points, seven rebounds, and twelve assists.
Leading the way for the Bucks in the defeat, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 29 points, 21 rebounds, 11 assists, and three blocks.
LA is fighting for a postseason place, and this was its fourth straight win.
The Lakers, who are 40-32 and in the bottom half of the Play-In bracket, are now ranked eighth in the Western Conference. They are presently, however, only two games behind the seventh- and eighth-place Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, respectively. The Lakers would have two chances to qualify for the NBA Playoffs instead of just their current one if they were to get into the top half of the Play-In standings.
With three games remaining, Los Angeles trails the Dallas Mavericks in the race for the final automatic playoff berth.
The Lakers will play the Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, while the Bucks will try to get back on track on Thursday when they travel to play the New Orleans Pelicans.