Lakers dominate Mavs to clinch home-court edge in NBA Cup quarterfinals
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased an impressive performance, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 129-119 in a highly competitive game at Crypto.com Arena. This victory marks the Lakers’ sixth consecutive win, elevating their season record to 14-4 and an undefeated 4-0 in NBA Cup matches.
Lakers Secure Home-Court Advantage
With this win, the Lakers have clinched home-court advantage for the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. They will face the San Antonio Spurs on December 10 at 7 p.m. A victory in this matchup could propel them into the semifinals, where they may encounter either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Phoenix Suns.
Standout Performers
The game’s outcome was significantly influenced by standout performances from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Together, they amassed 73 points, including a remarkable 26 points during the second half. Dončić tallied 35 total points, with 17 coming in the second half, while Reaves led all scorers with 38 points, achieving an impressive shooting efficiency.
Key Statistics
- Luka Dončić: 35 points, 11 assists
- Austin Reaves: 38 points, 80% shooting from the field
- LeBron James: 13 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds
- Team Performance: 51.4% shooting from three-point range
Game Highlights
The Lakers started strong, hitting 11 of their first 20 shots, which established a solid early lead. Though Dallas managed to outscore the Lakers 40-32 in the second quarter, the teams engaged in a fierce contest, resulting in 14 lead changes throughout the match. Multiple Mavericks players contributed significantly, with eight scoring in double figures.
In a moment of camaraderie, the home crowd warmly welcomed Anthony Davis back after a significant absence, alongside teammate Max Christie. Davis, returning from a 14-game layoff, contributed 12 points, while Christie added 13. With momentum on their side, the Lakers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans next, followed by a matchup against the Suns, before embarking on a challenging six-game road trip.
