LOS ANGELES (AP) – Austin Reaves propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, scoring a game-high 38 points as the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games and swept NBA Cup group play, securing a home quarterfinal. The win was especially notable as it marked Anthony Davis‘ first game in Los Angeles sence being traded to the Mavericks 10 months ago.
Davis finished with 13 points and five rebounds while playing under a minutes restriction.Despite Davis’ return and a strong performance from Luka Doncic, who had 35 points and 11 assists in his third game against his former team, the Mavericks dropped their fifth game in six contests. The Lakers’ second-half surge, fueled by Reaves (19 second-half points) and Doncic (17 second-half points), proved decisive.
Reaves’ six 3-pointers and DoncicS four helped the lakers overcome a narrow Dallas lead late in the fourth quarter. A 13-1 run, featuring key baskets from Reaves and Deandre Ayton (17 points), sealed the victory.LeBron James contributed 13 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with two minutes remaining.
P.J. Washington led Dallas with 22 points, while Ryan Nembhard added 17. Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg impressed with 13 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. The Lakers’ win secures their position as a top contender in the NBA Cup tournament, while the Mavericks face continued challenges integrating Davis into their lineup.
The Mavericks will continue their road trip Saturday night at the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
