D’Angelo Russell showcased his skills with a remarkable performance, scoring 21 of his season-high 44 points in the fourth quarter. His go-ahead jumper with just 5.9 seconds remaining sealed the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 123-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Adding to the excitement, Spencer Dinwiddie’s crucial block on Damian Lillard’s last-second shot preserved the Lakers’ win. This victory was even more impressive considering LeBron James was absent, resting his sore left ankle, marking his ninth missed game of the season due to the persistent injury.
Los Angeles leaned heavily on Russell, who equaled his career-best with nine 3-pointers and dished out nine assists in a remarkable display. With eight crucial points in the final 1:13, Russell led the Lakers’ comeback from a late deficit, propelling them to a 5-4 record without James.
“D-Lo really stepped up and secured the win for us, especially with Spence’s defensive play on that final possession,” said Austin Reaves, who contributed 18 points for the Lakers. “Seeing D-Lo take charge of the game, I kept urging him during timeouts, ‘Take us home.'”
Russell once again elevated his offensive prowess in the absence of James or Davis, displaying confidence in his shooting while effectively orchestrating the Lakers’ offense. Reflecting on his standout performance, Russell remained modest but acknowledged the resilience he’s developed throughout his NBA journey, which has included four trades and constant trade rumors.
“On the court, I’ve always believed in my abilities, and getting into a rhythm adds to the excitement,” Russell stated. “Off the court, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. However, those experiences have only strengthened my determination. I never waver in my self-assurance. I embrace challenges and welcome competition. I’m fully confident in my abilities on the basketball court, and that confidence carries into every aspect of my life.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed his prowess with an outstanding performance, tallying 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists for Milwaukee. Damian Lillard also contributed significantly, scoring eight of his 28 points in the final quarter. Nevertheless, despite their contributions, the Bucks couldn’t secure the win, marking their second consecutive loss.
Regarding the outcome, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers expressed disappointment about the missed opportunity but stressed the team’s continuous quest for improvement. “While it’s disappointing to miss out on this win, whether we had won or lost, our objective remains the same – to keep progressing,” Rivers stated. “We had control of the game, but unfortunately, we let it slip away. Such situations are part of the game, and they will happen again. It’s all about learning and growing from these experiences, and we’ll use this setback to come back stronger.”