Lakers win in OT against the Mavs thanks to Austin Reaves.
The Lakers extended their winning run to three games with a 107–104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks tonight, thanks to a game-tying three from Wayne Ellington at the end of regulation and a game-winning three from Austin Reaves to win it in overtime.
The Lakers' big three of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis were important factors in tonight's gritty overtime win, combining for 67 points and 123 minutes. All three scored over 20 points and combined for nearly half of the Lakers' total rebounds with 23.
Arkansas native Austin Reaves was the star of tonight's overtime win, putting in a hardnose effort and sealing the victory with a three as time expired, giving the Lakers their third consecutive victory.
Austin Reaves spoke on his game-winning shot with LeBron, Westbrook, and Davis on the floor, saying: "I grew up watching all these guys play, so for me to just be teammates with them is special."
In 32 minutes, Reaves finished with 15 points on 83% (5 for 6) from three, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists with a plus/minus of +10 in his gritty effort.
LeBron James was the Lakers leading scorer in tonight's overtime win, finishing with 24 points on 47% (9 for 19) from the floor, adding 5 assists and 3 rebounds in 42 minutes of action.
Anthony Davis was the Lakers' most efficient player, finishing with a game-high plus/minus of +21 and a double-double performance of 20 points and 12 assists in 39 minutes.
Russell Westbrook was the unsung hero in tonight's overtime win, being the one who collapsed the defense on the final play and found open man Austin Reaves to hit the game-winner while also putting up a near triple-double in an all-star effort.
In 42 minutes of action, Westbrook scored 23 points while shooting 44% (8 for 18) from the field, collecting 10 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists in his effort.
Westbrook spoke on the rookie Austin Reaves and his game-winning performance, saying: "Austin [Reaves] is a hell of a shooter, as you guys seen tonight. Tonight was one of those nights. Just happy to be able to enjoy that moment with him."
On Friday afternoon, the Lakers will head to Minnesota for the second game of their road trip to face the 12–15 Timberwolves in an attempt to extend their winning run to four games.