The Lakers once again failed to maintain their lead in the second half of a game Thursday night, as they lost control in the final quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks. At the end of 48 minutes of action, the Lakers added a point to the wrong column, and their season record of being unable to sweep a back-to-back set of games remains alive.
Another unfortunate circumstance occurred on Thursday night as the injury bug made its seemingly daily appearance with the Lakers. Steve Nash left the game in the third quarter, and even had to go back to the locker room to receive treatment.
—- See Steve Nash through the years in photos! —-
After the game, Nash told reporters that previous injuries (back and hamstrings) caused him to have right hip spasms. Per Dave McMenamin of ESPNLA, Nash said that he actually suffered this injury on Monday against Golden State, and continued to feel the pain on Wednesday in Minnesota. Nash added:
“It actually happened at Golden State and my hamstrings really tightened up, and then in Minnesota I was compensating for the hamstrings and got my hip spasming,” Nash said.
“Obviously, I was suffering a little bit in the second half, but I wanted to keep playing,” said Nash, who went to the locker room to receive treatment from Vitti and Lakers physical therapist Dr. Judy Seto after turning the ball over three times in seven minutes in the third quarter.
“I wanted to keep playing, but I think Mike (D’Antoni) and Gary just thought, ‘Let’s not risk doing something that could cause long-term damage,’ ” Nash said.
Lakers trainer Gary Vitti actually didn’t want Steve Nash to play Thursday night in Milwaukee, but Nash felt that he could handle it. Nash recorded 16 points and six assists before exiting the game at about the midway point of the third quarter.
The Lakers finish their four game road trip on Saturday against the Kings in Sacramento. Nash remarked that he is hopeful and plans to suit up and play in that game. As the Lakers fight to keep that final spot for the postseason, the Lakers need everyone’s contribution.