In a nail-biting finish, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Utah Jazz 105-104 on Sunday night. Anthony Davis led the charge with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 27 points and 14 assists.
The Jazz had a golden opportunity to clinch the win in the final seconds. After LeBron missed his 10th three-pointer of the night, Collin Sexton fumbled the inbounds pass. Without a shot off, the buzzer sounded, sealing the Lakers’ win.
Lauri Markkanen wasn’t able to carry the Jazz, scoring 22 points. John Collins added 21, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their eighth loss in nine games.
Utah’s high turnover rate was a persistent issue. They committed 15 turnovers, leading to 20 points for the Lakers. This pattern continues to haunt the Jazz, making it difficult for them to secure victories.
Injuries Impact Lakers’ Roster Depth
The Lakers faced significant challenges without key players. Jaxson Hayes sprained his right ankle and is expected to miss two to three weeks. Austin Reaves and Cam Reddish are sidelined with a bruised hip and illness, respectively. D’Angelo Russell also missed the game due to illness, putting additional strain on the team’s lineup.
Despite being short-handed, the Lakers managed to hold their ground. Anthony Davis rested in the fourth quarter, allowing LeBron James to take over. James’ four straight shots, including a reverse layup and dunk, extended the Lakers’ lead to 101-92.
LeBron James Reaches 15,000 Career Made Field Goals
LeBron James achieved a significant milestone during the game, surpassing 15,000 career made field goals in the second quarter. This achievement makes him the second player in NBA history to reach this mark, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who has 15,837 made field goals.
James’ performance was nothing short of remarkable. His ability to drive the team forward, especially in critical moments, showcased his enduring skill and leadership on the court.
Key Moment: The Final Seconds Drama
The climax of the game came in the closing moments. Sexton scored what appeared to be the game-winning layup, putting the Jazz ahead 106-105. However, Utah’s coach Will Hardy called a timeout with just 2.1 seconds left, nullifying the play and giving the Lakers a final chance to secure the win.
LeBron James responded by making a running left-handed hook shot with 41.0 seconds remaining. Although Walker Kessler made a putback basket for the Jazz, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ slender lead.
