Anthony Davis’ game-high 37 points helped the Los Angeles Lakers to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 122-119 in a nail-biting match, extending the Spurs’ franchise-record losing streak to 18. The Lakers’ players did well to hold off the 19-year-old young Victor Wembanyama from scoring points frequently. Frenchman Wembanyama had 30 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks for the Spurs, who haven’t won since November 2. Wembanyama is the first rookie to have 30 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks in a game since Spurs great Tim Duncan in 1998. The Lakers were missing four-time MVP LeBron James, who sat out the first of two straight games in San Antonio due to a left calf ailment. The teams will battle again on Friday night.
The Lakers almost lost Davis too in the opening minutes of the game when he rolled his left ankle after a spin move against Wembanyama. However, Davis refused to leave the game, even though it was the second night of a back-to-back for Los Angeles. The Spurs came close to beating the NBA In-Season Tournament champion Lakers. In the fourth quarter, the Spurs outscored the Los Angeles Lakers 45-30.
Wembanyama’s 3-pointer over Davis with 1:29 remaining trimmed the Lakers’ advantage to 115-110 after the Spurs trailed by 20 points early in the fourth quarter. With 22 seconds left, Wembanyama hit one of two free throws to bring the score to 117-116. With 8.8 seconds remaining and the Lakers leading 119-116, Wembanyama fouled out for the first time in his career after putting his leg out on a failed 3-pointer. The Lakers continued to play with the momentum and eventually won the game.
Davis scored 24 points in the first half while shooting 10 for 15 from the field. With 3:57 left in the first half, he bullied Wembanyama out of position under the hoop to create space for a monster one-handed dunk on the rookie. Davis received good support from Taurean Prince as he 17 points and helped the Lakers to register their fifth win in six games. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell added 15 and 12 points respectively. On the other side, Keldon Johnson had 28 points, and Malaki Branham added 16 for the Spurs.
Giving my team a chance to win. I know when I’m on the floor playing, my team has a higher chance of winning than me being out because of my presence defensively and my presence offensively. We’re trying to win basketball games, Davis said after exhibiting a brilliant performance on the game field.
