The Los Angeles Lakers went into the final night of NBA Emirates Cup group play without much pressure as they had already clinched West Group B after their win against the L.A. Clippers.
However, the Lakers’ final group play game was far from the usual as they hosted the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles and Dallas will forever be linked after the blockbuster trade that included Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. This was the first time Davis played his former team back in Los Angeles, making it an emotional affair for all the parties involved.
The Mavericks have largely struggled this season due to injuries and a lack of offensive talent, but they remain a stingy team defensively. While the Lakers were considered major favorites, they had to work on both ends for all four quarters.
Dallas didn’t give up an inch despite the talent disparity, but L.A. ultimately ended up winning 129-119. The Lakers went undefeated in group play and will now host the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the knockout round.
Austin Reaves has taken the leap that the purple and gold were hoping for after his strong close to the 2024-25 season. Dallas was intent on ensuring that Luka Doncic didn’t get off to a hot start as they blitzed and doubled him, opening up more room for Reaves to operate in the half court.
Reaves was at his best driving with the basketball in his hands, but the guard also took advantage of all the open looks he got because of the defensive attention Doncic got. Reaves made the Mavericks pay every time they rotated away from him, knocking down 3-pointer after 3-pointer to keep the Lakers close.
Reaves continued his hot scoring in the fourth quarter as well, coming up with big buckets when the team needed it. Reaves led all scorers with 38 points but he also added eight rebounds and three assists on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting.
It took a little bit for Doncic to get going offensively, but he eventually found his groove picking on mismatches. Doncic used his size and handle to get to his spots, punishing Dallas for every mistake.
Doncic was no slouch compared to Reaves as he had 35 points including a perfect 11-of-11 showing from the free throw line. He also recorded 11 assists and four rebounds.
Deandre Ayton returned to the lineup and was efficient, scoring 17 points on eight-of-nine shooting from the field.
What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday before they see the Phoenix Suns the next night on Monday in a back-to-back set at home.
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