Austin Reaves delivered an impressive performance, scoring 44 points, while Rui Hachimura sealed the deal with a thrilling buzzer-beater three-pointer to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors in a nail-biting game on Thursday.
Reaves not only lit up the scoreboard with his scoring but also showcased his playmaking skills with 11 assists and contributed five rebounds for the Lakers (16-5). The absence of star point guard Luka Doncic, who missed the game due to personal reasons, didn’t hinder the Lakers’ determination.
In an unexpected turn of events, LeBron James saw his NBA-record streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games in the regular season come to an end as he was held to just eight points. Despite his off-night shooting, James’ impact and leadership on the court remained evident throughout the game.
Scottie Barnes put up a stellar performance for the Raptors (15-8), registering a double-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite Brandon Ingram struggling from beyond the arc, the Raptors had a balanced scoring effort with seven players hitting double digits in points.
The game also saw standout performances from Ja’Kobe Walter, filling in for the injured RJ Barrett, and the absence of starting center Jakob Poeltl, who sat out for rest.
Key Takeaways:
For the Lakers, Reaves shined bright in the absence of Doncic, particularly dominating the third quarter with 22 points, outscoring most Raptors players in that period alone.
The Raptors showcased resilience, tightening their play in the third quarter after a sloppy start that saw nine turnovers in the first half. Despite the comeback effort, Hachimura’s clutch three-pointer sealed the Lakers’ victory.