The Doncic-Reeves duo (73 points!) spoils the return of Anthony Davis

Even if this victory will not go down in history, the Lakers fulfilled their evening task with a fairly easy victory (129-119) against the Mavericks with 73 points from the Reaves-Doncic tandem. Undefeated in the NBA Cup, partners from LeBron James will host Spurs in the quarter-finals.

For the great return of Anthony Davis, warmly welcomed, Dallas decided to systematically take two Luka Doncic. The result, the Slovenian hands out caviar, first for Reaves alone on a 3-pointer or for an alley-oop from LeBron James. In contrast, Davis scored his first points as a visitor to the Cripto.com Arena. It’s not great basketball, but we can count on Doncic to put on a show against Klay Thompson to make a three-pointer. Behind a friendly pat on the back of “Splash bro”, the Lakers lead 28-22 after twelve minutes.

Former Lakers make an appearance

With two baskets awarded, Klay Thompson tried to revive Dallas in the second quarter, but Reaves is on his cloud, in creation or in the finish. In the end, it was PJ Washington who tied the game (41-41), and under his leadership, Dallas went on an 11-4 run to take control (52-49). The Lakers’ defense takes water, and the veterans of the house, Anthony Davis on a dunk and Max Christy on a 3-pointer, allow the Mavericks to maintain an advantage until the break (62-60).

The Mavericks insisted, and when they returned from the locker room, they even took a seven-point lead (67-60). Doncic has seen enough and takes the match for himself. This inspires his teammates, and Reaves, Hachimura and finally LeBron follow suit, and the Lakers are back in front (82-77). It only took us a few “stops” to find the real Lakers. Deandre Ayton is ready for 9 points ahead (89-80).

Austin Reeves is closing up shop

Conversely, Nadji Marshall and Thompson revive the Mavericks, but Doncic is untouchable with his “stepback” (96-90). Finally, Marshall, at the buzzer, maintained suspense before the final quarter (98-94). Except that Reaves takes over Doncic, and for every closer signed Cooper Flagg or Anthony Davis, he matches them (109-103). And when the Nembhard-Davis duo gives the Mavericks the lead (110-109), it is again Reaves who puts the Lakers back on track.

With a healthy Gabe Vincent, the Lakers went on a 13-1 run that stunned the Mavericks (122-111). This is the first time this evening that the Lakers have gone 10 points ahead, and they will carry this lead to the end and win 129-119. Undefeated in the NBA Cup, JJ Redick’s men will face the Spurs in the quarterfinals.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Davis continues smoothly. With intentionally limited playing time, Davis collected 13 points and 5 rebounds in his first game in Los Angeles since his departure. With Cooper Flagg moving to his actual position, we got a look at what the 2025/26 version of the Mavericks could look like.

Lebron discreet but determined. Little play by LeBron James, who leaves more and more keys to Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves. The third option in the attack, the 40-year-old still scored the decisive basket in “money time”.

The Lakers keep pace. The Lakers’ sixth straight win, just their second in the West since the Nuggets lost at home to the Spurs. For Dallas, this setback keeps them in second-to-last place in the conference…

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.