Still experiencing ups and downs in the current NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers had a gala performance in the early hours of this Saturday by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 123-122, without star LeBron James, but with a majestic performance from D’Angelo Russell , who scored an impressive 44 points, on a night that could have been historic for Lillard, but ended with a party for the home team at the Crypto.com Arena.
Lillard surpassed Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller to become the fourth-most three-pointers in NBA history. He has already scored 2,561 points from the perimeter, behind only Stephen Curry (with 3,680), Ray Allen (with 2,973) and James Harden (2,910). However, he suffered a sensational block from Spencer Dinwiddie on the last play of the match, which could have given the Bucks the victory, as the duel was decided by one point.
In addition to Russell’s impressive performance, who had the second best mark of his career, Anthony Davis was another highlight for the Lakers, with 22 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points, with 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Lillard had 18 points.
The Lakers did not have LeBron James because the star complained of ankle pain and was preserved. Even so, they managed to win a very close game that was decided in the last seconds of the match. Now, D’Angelo’s team occupies ninth place in the Western Conference, with 35 wins. The Bucks, who suffered their second consecutive defeat, are third in the East, with 41.
The leader of the Western Conference is the Oklahoma City Thunder, with 44 victories, the last over the Maimi Heat 107 to 100, highlighted by Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 37 points. In second place, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, second in the Eastern Conference, by 113 to 104. The scorers were Darius Garland and Naz Reid, both with 34 points.
The highlight of the day was also the Houston Rockets, who beat the Portland Trail Blazers 123 to 107, complete with a “video game” dunk by Jalen Green, which was very reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s move in “Looney Tunes”.
Check out this Friday’s results:
Philadelphia 76ers 95 x 103 New Orleans Pelicans
Washington Wizards 112 x 100 Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers 113 x 104 Minnesota Timberwolves
New York Knicks 98 x 74 Orlando Magic
Memphis Grizzlies 92 x 99 Atlanta Hawks
Oklahoma City Thunder 107 x 100 Miami Heat
Los Angeles Lakers 123 x 122 Milwaukee Bucks
Portland Trail Blazers 107 x 123 Houston Rockets
Follow this Saturday’s games:
Los Angeles Clippers x Chicago Bulls
Charlotte Hornets x Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons x Dallas Mavericks
Golden State Warriors x San Antonio Spurs
Phoenix Suns x Boston Celtics
Denver Nuggets x Utah Jazz?Portland Trail Blazers