Los Angeles Lakers clinched a thrilling 135-133 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City, extending their winning streak to four games. Despite missing three starters, the Jazz put up a fierce fight and forced the game into overtime after a late 10-0 surge.
However, James sealed the victory for the Lakers with a game-winning layup in the dying seconds of overtime. James, who scored 37 points, was backed up by Austin Reaves’ 28-point performance and Anthony Davis’ 21-point, 14-rebound, and six-assist effort.
The Lakers‘ win brings them closer to clinching a guaranteed playoff spot as they improve their record to 41-38. Meanwhile, the Jazz’s defeat marks their seventh loss in eight outings, dropping their record to 36-43.
At least 23 points were scored by former Laker Talen Horton-Tucker and Kelly Olynyk for the Jazz, while Ochai Agbaji added 22 points. However, their combined efforts were not enough to secure a victory for Utah. The game was highly competitive from the outset, with the Lakers taking an early lead before the Jazz fought back to force overtime.
In overtime, the Jazz took an early lead after an Olynyk layup and free throw. James responded by scoring five consecutive points, but Horton-Tucker quickly tied the game. After Utah regained the lead with a three-pointer from Olynyk, Reaves hit a jump shot, and James converted a pair of free throws, putting the Lakers ahead 133-132 with 54.1 seconds left in overtime
Horton-Tucker then split a pair of free throws to tie the game again. The stage was set for James to make his late spinning drive and score the game-winning layup, putting the Lakers by two points. Horton-Tucker missed a chance to tie the game, and the Lakers finished the game off to win.
The Lakers’ victory demonstrated their resilience and determination, as they managed to win without their injured starters. It was also a testament to the team’s depth, as Reaves stepped up with a 28-point performance to help secure the win.
On the other hand, the Jazz will be disappointed with their seventh loss in eight outings, especially considering their late surge to force overtime. However, their fighting spirit and resilience throughout the game bode well for their future, even without their starters’ absence.
It was an entertaining and closely contested game between two talented teams, with James and the Lakers emerging victorious. The win puts them closer to securing a guaranteed playoff spot, while the Jazz will look to improve their game.