Mavs Lose Overtime Thriller to Lakers
LeBron James soars for a score against Dallas. 11.1.19
© 2019 Miss Ari Photography
Dallas – Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James put on a show in the American Airlines Center Friday night, each earning an impressive triple-double. James and the Lakers proved to outlast the Mavericks 119-110 in an overtime thriller.
For most of the game the Mavericks controlled both the score and the clock, claiming several double-digit leads. As has been the case in the young season, the Mavericks were clicking on all cylinders. The rebounding was stellar, the team took good shots, they hustled and the celebrated duo of Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis continued to impress.
With less than 10 seconds in regulation Dallas had a two-point lead and the ball when Dwight Powell was fouled.
Powell would only make one of two free throws resulting in a 103-100 Dallas lead. Los Angeles had six seconds to make a play, when James found Danny Green in the corner. A controversial no-call on Los Angles’ Dwight Howard should have ended the game. Green, however, would rise for a three pointer right in front of the Mavericks bench, drain it and send the game into overtime.
The extra period was all about James and Anthony Davis, as the two helped the Lakers outscore the Mavericks 16 – 7.
The Lakers undoubtedly struggled early in the game, trailing by double digits midway into the first quarter. In the end, one of the NBA’s most-watched teams pulled out the victory on Dallas’ court.
“This is one of the best offensive teams in the league and we knew that,” said James of Dallas. “We’re also one of the best defensive teams over the first five games.”
Even in a heartbreaking loss, the Mavericks and their fans learned a lot about the team. Dallas has a deep bench and some key role players. While Powell did miss a much needed free throw at the end of regulation, he is a key asset to the Mavericks’ agenda. His 14 points and key rebounding proved essential down the stretch. Tim Hardaway Jr. is also proving to be a consistent threat from the perimeter.
The chemistry between Doncic and Porzingis, along with the development of Delon Wright and the reliability of Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber will all combine to keep Dallas in the competitive Western Conference conversation.
Doncic was only four years old when his idol LeBron James began his NBA career. Sharing the court with James was special for Doncic. The two shared a special embrace following the game.
Dallas is now 3 – 2. Los Angeles improves to 4 – 1.
