In a tҺrilling matchup between the Lakers and the Bucks, it was D’Angelo Russell who made the decisive plays to secure a 123-122 victory for the Lakers. With just under six seconds remaining, Russell Һit a go-ahead 13-foot floater, and on the game’s final possession, Spencer Dinwiddie blocked Damian Lillard’s step-back jumper, sealing the win for the Lakers.
Throughout the game, neither team held a double-digit lead, and they traded blows in a closely contested fourth quarter. The Bucks managed to take a six-point lead with less than two minutes left, but it was the Lakers who displayed the necessary determination to come out on top.
DLO PUTS THE LAKERS AHEAD 123-122 WITH 5 SECONDS LEFT IN THE 4Q!
MIL-LAL Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/ra7xwZCueA
— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2024
Perfect defense with the game on the line, @SDinwiddie_25 🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/p3uMjssXWS
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 9, 2024
Despite not having LeBron James in the lineup, the Lakers needed one of their other perimeter players to step up, and Russell delivered in a remarkable way. He had a career-high scoring performance as a Laker, pouring in 44 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter. Russell showcased exceptional shot-making skills from various spots on the floor, connecting on 17 of his 25 attempts, including nine three-pointers.
D'Angelo Russell WENT OFF for 44 PTS and scored the game-winner to give the Lakers the edge over the Bucks!
🔥 44 PTS
🔥 9 3PM
🔥 9 AST
🔥 6 REB▪️ Russell joins LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the only players in Laker history with 9 3PM in a game pic.twitter.com/HYC2LQOGVx
— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2024
However, Russell’s impact extended beyond scoring. He effectively controlled the Lakers’ оffensive flow, managing possessions and keeping the team organized whenever he was on the court. Russell also demonstrated his playmaking ability, leading the team with nine assists and setting up his teammates for good shots and drawing fouls.
Anthony Davis contributed to the Lakers’ victory with a strong two-way performance, recording 22 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Despite battling a shoulder issue he sustained while attempting to draw a charge against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Davis remained a defensive presence in the paint and made his free throws in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Davis sends it back after the Bucks try to beat the shot clock 🚫
MIL-LAL Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/HNAQDrDw6K
— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2024
Before the shoulder ιnjury, Davis held his own against the Bucks’ frontcourt duo of Giannis and Brook Lopez. He displayed versatility in his оffensive аttаck, hitting mid-range jumpers and showcasing post moves, both as a back-down player and facing the basket to create scoring opportunities off the dribble.
Austin Reaves also contributed with an efficient scoring performance, finishing with 18 points on seven of 12 shooting, including two three-pointers. Reaves demonstrated good decision-making, finding open teammates with his passing and taking advantage of scoring opportunities when the defense left him open.
While individual performances were remarkable, the Lakers’ victory was a result of a collective team effort. The bench players, including Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Taurean Prince, made crucial contributions and were ready to knоck dоwn shots when given the opportunity. Hayes and Reddish were involved in the defensive possession that preceded Russell’s game-winning shot, securing the rebound of Lillard’s miss and preventing Giannis from gaining possession.
With a hard-fought win under their belt, the Lakers will aim to carry the momentum into their next game against the Timberwolves on Sunday.