The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-124 in double overtime on Tuesday night, and when you consider the entire context of the victory—even without the inherent drama that comes with overtime—it may have been their best win of the season.

The Lakers were without LeBron James (ankle pain). They were on the road, facing the hazardous Bucks. They started out cold, losing by as much as 19 points in the first quarter. The Bucks responded to every run they made in the first three quarters, leaving them with a 19-point hole with approximately eight minutes remaining.

 

However, the Lakers fought back, going on a 27-9 run that unexpectedly forced OT.

When the dust settled, the starting trio of Anthony Davis (34 points, 23 rebounds, and four blocks in 52 minutes), D’Angelo Russell (29 points, 12 assists), and Austin Reaves (29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists) delivered outstanding performances for Los Angeles.’

Following a tremendous display of grit and resolution, social media was flooded with admiration for them and the Lakers in general.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Damian Lillard had 27 points and eight assists but shot only 9-of-29 from the floor.

The Lakers (40-32) have now won four straight games, tying a season-high winning run. The Bucks (46-26) had their two-game winning streak snapped.

 

The Lakers didn’t have a terrific first half. They were behind 16 points at the break and had only made one of thirteen three-pointers. It cannot be overstated how terribly they began.

 

A terrible shooting performance (42-of-108 from the field, 38.9 percent) and turnover issues (17) nearly cost the Lakers the game. They struggled to close quarters, going near in the second and third before conceding large runs.

They responded with a fantastic defensive performance, led by AD, and refused to give up despite a series of massive deficits.

 

Nobody would have faulted the Lakers for losing this game without LeBron, especially after digging themselves a huge hole on the road against a championship contender. But now, a Lakers team that has struggled with consistency all season is looking like a scary opponent, especially if they maintain the defensive effort and spirit exhibited on Tuesday.