LeBron James achieved his career-high fourth consecutive triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 120-115, marking a strong start to their title defense in the Emirates NBA Cup on Friday night. Anthony Davis contributed significantly with 40 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his scoring prowess.
This impressive performance by James highlights his versatility, as he recorded 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, further solidifying his role as a key player for the Lakers.
On the other side, Victor Wembanyama stood out for the Spurs, delivering 28 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. His recent performance included a remarkable 50-point game against Washington, showcasing his emerging talent in the league.
Davis shot 14 for 26 from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, marking his highest-scoring game of the season. Other notable contributions came from Austin Reaves with 19 points, Dalton Knecht with 14, and D’Angelo Russell adding 13 points.
The game began with San Antonio racing to an 11-0 lead, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk from Wembanyama assisted by fellow 20-year-old Stephon Castle. However, Davis’s 16 points in the first quarter helped the Lakers rally back, ending the period with a 31-30 lead after a 21-8 run.
Castle also had a strong performance, scoring 22 points, while Devin Vassell contributed 15 points for San Antonio.
Takeaways
Lakers: Davis has reached the 30-point mark for the seventh time in 11 games this season, averaging a career-high 31.1 points. His consistency is vital for the team’s success.
Spurs: Chris Paul achieved a milestone with 11 points and 11 assists, marking his 12,008th career assist. He joins legends John Stockton and Jason Kidd as one of only three players to surpass 12,000 assists.
Key moment
In a pivotal moment with the Lakers ahead 116-115, Paul was called for an offensive foul while trying to screen Davis for a Wembanyama 3-pointer. This turnover allowed James to secure a layup, extending the lead to 118-115 with just 25 seconds left.
Key stat
The Lakers dominated in second-chance points, holding a 15-6 advantage, including an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, showcasing their ability to capitalize on missed opportunities.
Up next
The Lakers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, concluding a back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Spurs will head to Dallas before returning home for a three-game homestand.
