Even with LeBron James (ankle) out, the Lakers‘ difficult home game against the surging Milwaukee Bucks (7-3 in their past 10) would have been a difficult one, but LA’s hopes of winning seemed all but destroyed.
Let’s introduce D’Angelo Russell, the point guard for Los Angeles, who shot 17 of 25 from the field and 9 of 12 from three point range to put up an incredible 44 points and nine assists. When All-Star center Anthony Davis added a 22-point, 12-rebound game and shooting guard Austin Reaves added an 18-point, eight-assist game, it was evident that everyone had gone above and above for LeBron.
In the waning minutes, D-Lo seized charge and scored the final 8 points for LA, including a game-winning jumper with 5.9 seconds left. Let’s examine it:
D'ANGELO MF RUSSELL CLUTCH.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 9, 2024
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo combined for 62 points and 24 assists for Milwaukee, but in the end, it was their shoddy defense that gave up the game’s last possession and their offense that crumbled when Spencer Dinwiddie blocked Lillard’s game-winning jumper.
Here are the remaining top plays in Los Angeles for the evening:
DINWIDDIE BLOCKS DAME AT THE BUZZER 😱
LAKERS WIN https://t.co/Ed37aqXo1o
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 9, 2024
NEVER EVER TRADE DLO @LAKERS 🥶 pic.twitter.com/bzR0kj7Nqr
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 9, 2024
Reaves with the steal off the inbounds pass 😤 pic.twitter.com/zcwBinKrRw
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 9, 2024
ANTHONY DAVIS HAS GIANNIS IN JAIL🔒 pic.twitter.com/C1B2tULtWs
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 9, 2024
In addition, Kobe Bryant’s game-winning shot against the Raptors in this exact building has been celebrated for 11 years. Tonight, when the lights were brightest, one of Bryant’s last mentees fitfully filled his shoes.
11 years ago today pic.twitter.com/MtmjQSIgFm
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 9, 2024
