Lakers vs Nets - January 17
- El Brujo
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Reaves Shines as Lakers Edge Nets in Nail-Biter
It was a night to remember at Crypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers eked out a thrilling 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Austin Reaves stole the show, delivering a career-high 38 points and cementing himself as the game’s standout performer.
“I just tried to stay aggressive and take what the defense gave me,” said Reaves, who dazzled with his scoring and playmaking, much to the delight of the home crowd.
LeBron's Leadership Shines
Reaves wasn’t the only Laker making waves. LeBron James was his usual dominant self, contributing 29 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. The veteran’s composure and leadership helped steady the Lakers, especially in a game where they were missing star forward Anthony Davis, sidelined with plantar fasciitis.
“LeBron was huge for us,” Reaves said. “His presence on the floor changes everything.”
Nets’ Late Push Falls Short
On the other side of the court, the Nets didn’t go quietly. D’Angelo Russell, making his first return to Los Angeles since being traded, logged 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Rookie Ziaire Williams added 15 points, as did Tosan Evbuomwan, showcasing Brooklyn’s emerging young talent.
Trailing 102-95 with just over two minutes left, the Nets mounted a furious comeback. Six unanswered points put them in position to steal the win, but Russell’s potential game-winning three-pointer missed the mark in the final seconds.
“It’s a tough one to swallow, but I’m proud of how we fought back,” said Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn.
A Win to Build On
For the Lakers, this victory improves their record to 22-17 and marks their second consecutive home win. The team is beginning to hit its stride, with Reaves emerging as a key contributor in Davis’s absence.
Meanwhile, the Nets, despite the loss, have reason for optimism. The resilience they showed in the closing minutes and strong performances from their younger players point to a bright future.
Both teams will look to carry lessons from this matchup into their next contests. But for Lakers fans, Friday night belonged to Austin Reaves, who delivered a superstar performance when it was needed most.
Stay tuned for more local sports coverage and game-day insights!
AI Summary:
On January 17, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 102-101 at Crypto.com Arena.
ESPN
Key Performances:
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with a career-high 38 points, showcasing exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities.
LeBron James contributed significantly with 29 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, demonstrating his versatility and leadership on the court.
For the Nets, D'Angelo Russell scored 19 points, along with eight assists and six rebounds, in his first game against the Lakers since being traded.
Ziaire Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan each added 15 points for Brooklyn, contributing to the team's competitive performance.
Game Highlights:
The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, who missed the game due to plantar fasciitis.
Despite trailing 102-95 with 2:22 remaining, the Nets mounted a comeback, scoring six straight points and having a chance to win in the final seconds.
In the closing moments, D'Angelo Russell's potential game-winning three-pointer missed with 4.6 seconds left, sealing the victory for the Lakers.
This game marked the Lakers' second win in their current home stretch, improving their record to 22-17.
Wikipedia
The Nets, despite the loss, showed resilience and promising performances from their young players.
New York Post
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEohXNu6Du0
Comments