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The Los Angeles Lakers stretched their winning run to six straight games after securing a 129–119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
The matchup gained extra attention as Anthony Davis returned to Los Angeles for the first time since being traded 10 months earlier.
Reaves Shines With 38 Points
Austin Reaves delivered one of the best performances of his career, pouring in 38 points and dominating the second half.
His six made 3-pointers and timely buckets powered the Lakers during crucial stretches.
Doncic Impresses Against Former Team
In his third meeting with the Lakers since the blockbuster trade, Luka Doncic showcased brilliance once again, recording 35 points and 11 assists.
He hit four 3-pointers and added 17 points in the second half to keep Dallas close.
Anthony Davis’ Emotional Return To LA
Returning from a 14-game absence due to a calf strain, Anthony Davis stepped onto the Crypto.com Arena court to a warm, enthusiastic reception from Lakers fans.
Davis, who spent 5½ seasons in LA and helped win a championship alongside LeBron James, finished with 13 points and five rebounds while being kept on a minutes limit.
Lakers Surge In Final Minutes
Dallas held a slim lead entering the final eight minutes, but Los Angeles responded with a decisive 13–1 run.
During this stretch, Reaves and Deandre Ayton — who finished with 17 points — delivered key baskets to swing momentum back to the Lakers.
James, who was quiet early with only two first-half points, finished with 13 points and knocked down a clutch 3-pointer with two minutes remaining to seal the win.
Strong Contributions From Dallas Role Players
Despite the loss, several Mavericks stood out:
- P.J. Washington scored 22 points
- Ryan Nembhard added 17 points
- Max Christie posted 13 points against his former team
- Rookie Cooper Flagg impressed with 13 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds
Dallas has now dropped five of its last six games, though the return of Davis noticeably improved their overall rhythm.
NBA Cup Impact
With this win, the Lakers completed a 4–0 sweep of NBA Cup group play, securing home-court advantage for the upcoming quarterfinal matchup.
What’s Next?
Mavericks: Face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.
Lakers: Return home to play New Orleans on Sunday night.
The Lakers’ ability to close out games late was on full display as Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic traded standout performances in a memorable clash.
While Anthony Davis’ return to LA brought emotional energy to the arena, the Lakers’ balanced scoring and timely defensive stops ensured they extended their winning streak and strengthened their NBA Cup push.
Dallas showed encouraging signs, but still couldn’t overcome Los Angeles’ late-game surge.
FAQs
How many points did Austin Reaves score against the Mavericks?
Reaves delivered an outstanding performance with 38 points, leading the Lakers’ offense throughout the night.
What were Luka Doncic’s stats in the game?
Doncic finished with 35 points and 11 assists, continuing his high-level production against his former team.
How did Anthony Davis perform in his return to Los Angeles?
Davis totaled 13 points and 5 rebounds while playing limited minutes due to a recent calf injury.