LeBron James and the Lakers came through in the clutch once again as they managed to secure a victory over the Golden State Warriors after losing big man Anthony Davis to injury.
Davis sustained a left ankle sprain during the first quarter of Wednesday night’s game and was unable to return to the court. James acknowledged the challenge of playing without Davis but emphasized the team’s collective effort in filling the void left by the star player. “It’s always difficult to play without AD, so I guess our job is even more heightened, we have to do a little bit more,” James commented post-game. “Everyone has to chip in, especially on the defensive end because AD is our anchor. I thought guys did a great job of just playing off one another, getting to where we wanted to get to offensively and also being able to buckle down and get timely stops versus a really good offensive team.”
Davis’s injury occurred as he awkwardly rolled his ankle while driving towards the basket, forcing him to exit the game with 4:48 remaining in the first quarter. Despite initial uncertainties about his return, Davis did not reappear on the court, and Coach JJ Redick provided no immediate update on his condition.
The 6-foot-10 forward had previously been questionable for the Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors due to a bruised left shoulder. In the limited time he played before the injury, Davis failed to score, missing all three of his field-goal attempts, and managed to secure just two rebounds in seven minutes of action.
With Davis sidelined, Austin Reaves stepped up to the challenge, delivering an impressive performance by recording a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Reaves also sealed the victory for the Lakers with a game-winning layup in the final seconds. LeBron James commended Reaves for his crucial contribution, stating, “It got to a hand that we trust. The play was drawn up for me, they doubled me at the top of the key. It’s always great to have great options out on the floor at the same time. AR’s been in that position before.”
The Lakers’ victory over the Warriors showcased their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity, particularly in the absence of key players like Anthony Davis. Despite the challenges, the team’s collective effort and individual performances, such as Austin Reaves’ standout display, proved instrumental in securing the hard-fought win.
