Facing a significant point gap in the fourth quarter and without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers had to decide their next move. Austin Reaves, reflecting on the moment, emphasized their choice: either accept defeat or push themselves to fight back.
The Lakers opted for the latter, resulting in an extraordinary comeback. Reaves achieved his second career triple-double and, with less than a minute left in the second overtime, scored a crucial 3-pointer, propelling the Lakers to a 128-124 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
Reaves contributed 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a remarkable 47-minute performance. Anthony Davis also played a pivotal role, delivering 34 points and 23 rebounds despite grappling with a knee issue.
The Lakers, trailing by 19 points in the fourth quarter and never leading in regulation, managed to secure their fourth consecutive win, setting a tone for their challenging six-game road trip.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks showcased an impressive performance with 29 points, a season-high 21 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his ninth triple-double of the season.
Despite James’ absence due to a left ankle problem, the Lakers demonstrated resilience and determination, clinching a memorable victory. Both teams displayed sheer exhaustion as the game extended into double overtime, with the Lakers prevailing on Reaves’ decisive shot and Davis’ clutch free throws in the closing seconds.