LeBron James delivered a dramatic game-winning tip-in at the buzzer, sealing a 120-119 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Indiana Pacers and snapping their three-game losing streak.
With just 42 seconds left on the clock, the Pacers were clinging to a one-point lead, but James capitalized on a missed shot from Luka Doncic, tipping it in just as time expired to secure the much-needed win in Indianapolis.
Despite a slow offensive start, James came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing the night with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. His defensive presence throughout the game was crucial, and Lakers coach J.J. Redick praised his resilience, stating, “This is yet another example of LeBron not starting off strong offensively but being exceptional on defense, and then taking charge in the fourth quarter.”
The victory boosts the Lakers’ record to 44-28, keeping them in fourth place in the highly competitive Western Conference. Luka Doncic led the team’s scoring effort with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Austin Reaves added 24 points, and Rui Hachimura contributed 14 points.
Read Also: Nigeria to face Ghana in June friendly
Across the league, several teams made headlines on Wednesday night. The Washington Wizards ended their five-game skid with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Toronto Raptors dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a commanding 116-86 victory.
In a standout performance, Nikola Jokic, returning from injury, dropped 39 points and recorded his 30th triple-double of the season, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to seven games, crushing the Phoenix Suns 132-102.
The Los Angeles Clippers kept their playoff hopes alive, erasing a 14-point deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 126-113, improving their record to 41-31. In the Western Conference standings, the Golden State Warriors currently hold the seventh spot, tying with the Clippers at 41 wins, while the Minnesota Timberwolves follow closely behind in eighth place with a 41-32 record.
