Reaves, Doncic & LeBron Shine, Lakers Top Mavs 129-119 in Davis’ LA Return/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Austin Reaves scored 38 points to lead the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers past the Dallas Mavericks 129-119 in Anthony Davis’ much-anticipated return to LA. Luka Doncic added 35 points and 11 assists for Dallas in a strong showing against his former team. The Lakers earned their sixth straight win and completed a sweep of NBA Cup group play.
Lakers Top Mavs in Davis’ Return: Quick Looks
- Austin Reaves led Lakers with 38 points, including six 3-pointers.
- Luka Doncic dropped 35 points, 11 assists against former team.
- Anthony Davis returned to LA, scoring 13 points in limited minutes.
- LeBron James scored 13, including clutch 3-pointer late in game.
- Lakers held Dallas without a field goal for four key minutes.
- LA went on a 13-1 fourth-quarter run to seal the win.
- Deandre Ayton added 17 points; Lakers win sixth straight game.
- LA sweeps NBA Cup group play and earns home quarterfinal.
- Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg posted 13 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds.
- Mavs lose fifth game in six despite improved performance.
Deep Look: Reaves Drops 38, Lakers Hold Off Mavericks 129-119 as Davis Returns to LA
LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a much-anticipated showdown that featured emotional returns, franchise reunions, and playoff-level intensity, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-119 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The night belonged to Austin Reaves, who exploded for 38 points, and Luka Doncic, who added 35 points and 11 assists in his third meeting against the team that traded him last season. But perhaps the most anticipated moment of the night was the return of Anthony Davis, playing his first game back in Los Angeles since being traded 10 months ago.
Davis Returns to LA in Emotional Homecoming
The former Lakers star Anthony Davis received a warm, standing ovation from the crowd when introduced with the Mavericks’ starting lineup. After helping bring a championship to LA during his 5 ½ seasons alongside LeBron James, Davis remains a fan favorite.
Playing under a minutes restriction after returning from a 14-game absence due to a calf strain, Davis finished with 13 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes of action. His impact was noticeable, helping Dallas show flashes of the dominant two-way team it aims to become.
Reaves, Doncic Shine in Second Half Duel
The game was closely contested for three quarters. The Mavericks even held a slim lead midway through the fourth quarter. But that’s when Reaves and Doncic took over.
- Reaves scored 19 of his 38 points in the second half, finishing the night with six made 3-pointers and several key buckets during crunch time.
- Doncic added 17 second-half points, playing with his trademark poise and playmaking flair.
The Lakers used a decisive 13-1 run late in the fourth quarter to pull ahead. During that stretch, the Mavericks went nearly four minutes without a field goal, while Reaves and Deandre Ayton delivered critical baskets to turn the tide.
Supporting Cast Delivers
- LeBron James, held to just two points in the first half, finished with 13 points, including a clutch three-pointer with two minutes left to extend the lead.
- Deandre Ayton chipped in 17 points in the frontcourt, while Max Christie added 13 points against his former Mavericks teammates.
- On the Dallas side, P.J. Washington scored 22 points, and rookie Cooper Flagg nearly posted a triple-double with 13 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds in another promising performance.
NBA Cup Update: Lakers Advance
With the win, the Lakers not only extended their winning streak to six games, but also completed a perfect 4-0 sweep in NBA Cup group play. The result guarantees them a home game in the quarterfinal round, positioning them as one of the early favorites in the league’s new in-season tournament.
Mavericks Struggling to Find Rhythm
Dallas has now lost five of their last six games, but there were encouraging signs, especially with Davis back in the lineup and Flagg continuing to impress. Despite the loss, head coach Jason Kidd emphasized postgame that the team is “starting to gel,” particularly with the frontcourt finally getting healthier.
What’s Next?
- Mavericks: Face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night in the second leg of their LA back-to-back.
- Lakers: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, aiming to push their winning streak to seven.
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