Austin Reaves scored 35 points in just 25 minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame Luka Doncic’s exit with a left leg injury to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-115 on Thursday night.
LeBron James added 17 points and 10 assists as the Lakers snapped Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak, rallying in the second half after returning from a taxing eight-game road trip. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 35 points, while Tyrese Maxey recorded 26 points and 13 assists. Philadelphia blew a 14-point lead and nearly erased a 16-point second-half deficit in their first loss since January 26.
The Lakers held a 110-94 advantage with four minutes remaining, but the 76ers cut it to 116-113 after rookie VJ Edgecombe stole an inbounds pass from James and hit a 3-pointer with 36 seconds left. Maxi Kleber set up Rui Hachimura for a dunk with 12 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Reaves was electric off the bench, shooting 12-of-17 from the field and hitting five 3-pointers, even while on a minutes restriction in his second game back from a 5½-week calf injury.
The game took a major turn when Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, limped to the locker room with 3:03 left in the first half and did not return due to left leg soreness. Reaves, Doncic, and James were playing only their 10th game together this season, as all three have battled significant injuries.
The Lakers took their first lead of the fourth quarter on back-to-back 3-pointers by Reaves during a 21-6 run, setting the tone for the comeback.
Up next:
The 76ers travel to Phoenix on Saturday, while the Lakers host Golden State.
