The Los Angeles Lakers ended their three-game losing skid in dramatic fashion, thanks to LeBron James’ last-second tip-in. With just 42 seconds left, the Indiana Pacers clung to a one-point lead. As the final moments ticked away, Luka Dončić’s shot attempt missed, but James was there to tip it in just before the buzzer, securing a thrilling 120-119 victory in Indianapolis.
A Last-Second Heroics Seals the Win
James had a slow start, not making a field goal until the fourth quarter. However, he came alive when it mattered most, finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. Lakers coach J.J. Redick praised James’ resilience, stating,
“He didn’t have it going early, but he stayed locked in, and the basketball gods rewarded him.”
Dončić led the Lakers with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura contributed 24 and 14 points, respectively. With this win, the Lakers improved to a 44-28 record, maintaining their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
Record-Breaking Streak Continues
Beyond securing the win, James also extended his remarkable streak of double-digit scoring games, which now spans over 18 years. He hasn’t scored fewer than 10 points in a game since January 5, 2007—an unmatched feat in NBA history, second only to Michael Jordan’s 866-game streak.
The Lakers had to fight off a late surge from the Pacers, who erased a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to momentarily take the lead. The pressure was on, but James’ game-winning play proved why he remains one of the most clutch players in basketball.
Elsewhere in the NBA, Nikola Jokić returned from injury to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Milwaukee Bucks with a 39-point triple-double, while the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to seven with a dominant victory over the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards snapped their own five-game losing streak by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.
As the Lakers gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, the question remains: Can they regain their early-season form in time for the playoffs?
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