NBA: LeBron James hits Buzzer-Beater to steer Lakers previous Pacers
LeBron James maintained his streak of scoring 10 or extra factors in a sport with a buzzer-beating last-second putback to present the Los Angeles Lakers a nail-biting 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Lakers, who had been down three in a row, wanted a win desperately to stay within the hunt for the Western Convention playoff standings. James, who had struggled early, got here by huge, tipping in Luka Doncic’s missed shot within the final second to seal the comeback.
James has now scored at the least 10 factors in 1,283 consecutive video games, lengthening his personal NBA file. His final failure to attain in double digits occurred on January 5, 2007, when he had solely eight towards Milwaukee. Michael Jordan shares the second-longest streak at 866 video games, whereas Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has 787.
The Lakers dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers 40-22 as their second unit, which featured Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt, had a giant night time. Indiana rallied again through the third quarter, reducing a 17-point deficit as Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the assault and Bennedict Mathurin equipped the scoring.
The Pacers created a 119-118 benefit as 42 seconds had been left, sending the Lakers into their fourth straight loss. James, by the top, took benefit of a missed floater by Doncic, attaining the win for Los Angeles.
Pacers’ late-game choices questioned
Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle opted to substitute Haliburton for defensive specialist Jarace Walker within the remaining minute. Whereas Walker delivered on protection, the Pacers struggled offensively with out their star playmaker. Mathurin’s contested three-point try missed, permitting the Lakers to get the ultimate possession and James to make historical past as soon as once more.
Haliburton, who completed with 16 factors and 18 assists, later admitted, “Trying again, we most likely ought to’ve taken the timeout.” His twelfth consecutive sport with at the least 10 assists showcased his significance to Indiana’s offense, regardless of their late-game struggles.
Lakers’ playoff push strengthens
The victory put the Lakers at 44-28, nonetheless fourth within the Western Convention. They’re 2.5 video games behind second-place Houston and even with Denver and Memphis in losses. The battle for playoff positioning continues to be a detailed one, with the Clippers and Warriors vying for a top-six seed.
Doncic led the Lakers with 34 factors, plus seven rebounds and 7 assists. Austin Reaves added 24 factors, and Rui Hachimura contributed 14. Lakers coach J.J. Redick recommended James for his tenacity, stating, “He did not let go of the rope and did not cease competing.”
The Lakers can be seeking to achieve steam as they depart their street swing behind, whereas the Pacers, who misplaced two of their earlier three video games, will search to proper themselves in pursuit of an Jap Convention playoff place.
The Lakers will search momentum as they transfer on from their street journey, whereas the Pacers, having dropped two of their final three contests, will look to get again on monitor of their quest for an Jap Convention playoff spot.
