The Los Angeles Lakers, ninth in the Western Conference, continue their good series. After Atlanta, Philadelphia and Indiana, they won on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, second in the East, (128-124 ap), in the NBA regular season. The meeting was spectacular: LA never led in regulation time, twice came back from 19 points behind and won after double overtime. All without its star, LeBron James, spared due to his painful left ankle.
Davis against Lillard with 0”2 remaining
The Bucks, who were on a series of two wins in a row, got off to a better start, leading 29-10 after nine minutes of play. In the second quarter, Los Angeles first closed this gap (39- 33, 17th). But, at the break, Milwaukee had escaped again (58-42). In the second half, the scenario was identical, with the Lakers coming back to score (65-58, 27th), before being left behind again (94-75, 39th).
The Californian franchise then began a new comeback on the scoreboard and snatched overtime 43”2 from the buzzer with two free throws from Taurean Prince. A great battle followed, during which the Lakers finally took the lead (111-108). But it was Milwaukee who came very close to concluding. With only 0”2 left to play, Anthony Davis, LA’s other star, scored a counter on Damian Lillard.
Triple-double pour Austin Reaves…
The mano a mano continued. At 124-121 for the Lakers, 24”0 from the end of the second overtime, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player of the Bucks, missed two free throws. For Los Angeles, D’Angelo Russell then Anthony Davis did not tremble in this exercise, validating the success of their team.
Davis signed a big double-double with 34 points (12/32 shooting including 3/8 three-pointers) and 23 rebounds. He also shone in defense with four blocks. The Californians were also able to count on Austin Reaves, author of a triple-double (29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists), Russell (29 pts, 12 assists) and Rui Hachimura (16 pts, 14 points).
… and Giannis Antetokounmpo
On the Milwaukee side, Antetokounmpo was just as spectacular, with 29 points (14/25 shooting including 0/1 three-pointers), 21 rebounds and 11 assists. Damian Lillard scored 27 pts, but with a 9/29 shooting (and 3/14 at three points). Malik Beasley scored 21 points and Bobby Portis, 18.
The Los Angeles Lakers remain ninth in the Western Conference, but are only two wins behind the Phoenix Suns. They will play again on Wednesday, at the Memphis Grizzlies. For its part, Milwaukee will travel to New Orleans on Thursday.
