Anthony Davis led the way with a game-high 37 points, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a narrow 122-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The result is a tough pill to swallow for San Antonio, as they've now lost 18 straight games—a franchise record—and haven't seen a victory since November 2. The Lakers' defense worked hard to contain Victor Wembanyama, but the rookie still managed 30 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks. This performance mirrors a feat not achieved by a Spurs rookie since Tim Duncan back in 1998. The Lakers entered the contest without LeBron James, who is currently sidelined with a left calf issue for the first of two games in San Antonio. A rematch is set for Friday night.
Anthony Davis’ game-high 37 points helped the Los Angeles Lakers to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 122-119 in a nail-biting match, extending the Spurs’ franchise-record losing streak to 18. The Lakers’ players did well to hold off the 19-year-old young Victor Wembanyama from scoring points frequently. Frenchman Wembanyama had 30 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks for the Spurs, who haven’t won since November 2. Wembanyama is the first rookie to have 30 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks in a game since Spurs great Tim Duncan in 1998. The Lakers were missing four-time MVP LeBron James, who sat out the first of two straight games in San Antonio due to a left calf ailment. The teams will battle again on Friday night.
The Lakers faced a potential crisis in the opening minutes when Anthony Davis rolled his left ankle while battling Wembanyama. Even though Los Angeles was playing the second night of a back-to-back, Davis refused to head to the locker room. San Antonio nearly shocked the reigning In-Season Tournament champions, putting on a clinic in the fourth quarter where they outscored the Lakers 45 to 30.
With 1:29 remaining, Wembanyama hit a clutch three over Davis, cutting the Lakers' lead to 115-110 after the Spurs had trailed by 20 early in the final period. The tension peaked with 22 seconds left when Wembanyama made one of two free throws, bringing the score to 117-116. However, with only 8.8 seconds left and the Lakers clinging to a 119-116 lead, Wembanyama fouled out for the first time in his professional career after a failed three-point attempt. This allowed the Lakers to maintain their momentum and seal the victory.
Davis was unstoppable in the first half, netting 24 points on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting. One of the highlights came late in the second quarter when he used his strength to push Wembanyama aside and finish with a powerful one-handed slam. Taurean Prince provided valuable support with 17 points, helping the Lakers secure their fifth win in six games. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively. For the Spurs, Keldon Johnson led the effort with 28 points, while Malaki Branham added 16.
\"I just want to give my team the best chance to win. I believe that when I'm out there, our odds improve because of what I bring to both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively. At the end of the day, we're just focused on winning games,\" Davis remarked after his standout performance.