The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their defense of the Emirates NBA Cup title with a hard-fought 120-115 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, led by a dominant performance from Anthony Davis.
Davis exploded for 40 points and 12 rebounds, delivering his highest-scoring game of the season and keeping the Lakers on track in their pursuit of back-to-back titles. LeBron James was also crucial in the win, registering his fourth consecutive triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists—a career-high streak for the NBA icon.
Davis’ performance was an offensive showcase, as he shot 14-of-26 from the field and knocked down 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Lakers big man has been on a tear this season, averaging a career-high 31.1 points per game, and his performance Friday night was just another reminder of his elite status in the league. Austin Reaves chipped in 19 points, while Dalton Knecht and D’Angelo Russell added 14 and 13, respectively, rounding out the Lakers’ scoring efforts.
San Antonio, led by the ever-impressive Victor Wembanyama, kept the game competitive throughout. The 20-year-old phenom put up 28 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, continuing his sensational start to the season. Wembanyama’s scoring, coupled with a career-high 50-point performance on Wednesday night in a win over Washington, further solidified his status as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. Despite his efforts, the Spurs came up just short in a game where the Lakers showed their experience and clutch execution in the closing moments.
The game didn’t start smoothly for Los Angeles, as the Spurs raced out to an 11-0 lead, sparked by a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk from Wembanyama off a feed from fellow 20-year-old Stephon Castle. However, the Lakers quickly regained their footing, closing the first quarter on a 21-8 run to take a slim 31-30 lead. Davis was pivotal during this stretch, scoring 16 points in the opening period alone to help Los Angeles recover from the early deficit.
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Castle, who had an impressive game off the bench, finished with 22 points, providing the Spurs with an additional scoring spark. Devin Vassell also contributed 15 points, but despite the offensive efforts of Wembanyama, Castle, and Vassell, San Antonio was unable to hold off the Lakers in the second half. Chris Paul, who has been an important floor general for the Spurs this season, added 11 points and 11 assists to his stat line, marking his 12,000th career assist. Paul joins John Stockton and Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history to reach the 12,000-assist milestone, a testament to his longevity and vision on the court.
While the game saw impressive individual performances, the Lakers ultimately capitalized on their experience and execution in crunch time. With the score at 116-115 in favor of Los Angeles, the key moment of the game came with just under 30 seconds remaining. Paul was called for an offensive foul after attempting to screen Davis following a handoff to Wembanyama for a potential game-tying 3-pointer. The turnover handed the ball back to the Lakers, and James responded with a quick layup, pushing the lead to 118-115 and essentially sealing the win for Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ ability to dominate on the glass also played a significant role in the victory. Los Angeles outworked San Antonio on the boards, particularly on second-chance opportunities. The Lakers finished with a 15-6 advantage in second-chance points, including an 8-0 edge in the first quarter alone. This extra possession battle proved crucial, as the Lakers were able to extend possessions and create more scoring opportunities, which ultimately helped them maintain their lead throughout the game.
The Spurs did not go down without a fight, and Wembanyama’s continued development as an all-around player is a silver lining for San Antonio. His ability to score efficiently while also impacting the game on the defensive end has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the league. However, the Spurs’ inability to close out tight games like this one will be an area of focus as the season progresses. With young talent like Wembanyama and Castle, San Antonio has the pieces for the future, but for now, they will need to work on their late-game execution.
For the Lakers, this victory was another testament to their resilience and depth. Even with LeBron James putting up a near-triple-double and Davis leading the charge offensively, the Lakers showed they can execute when it matters most. James’ ability to orchestrate the offense and contribute across the board, even without a huge scoring output, continues to make him one of the most complete players in the league. His career-high fourth straight triple-double was a significant milestone, showing that at 39 years old, James is still playing at an elite level.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will continue their NBA Cup defense with a back-to-back on the road, facing the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. With their depth and leadership, Los Angeles remains a top contender in the tournament and beyond. As for San Antonio, they will return home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night before embarking on a three-game homestand. While the Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance, their young squad will need to find consistency if they hope to compete with the league’s top teams.
This victory for the Lakers solidifies their place among the NBA’s elite, and with Davis and James leading the way, they will be tough to beat as they defend their Emirates NBA Cup title. The Spurs, though still in a rebuilding phase, have the makings of a bright future, especially with the continued development of Wembanyama. For now, it’s the Lakers who remain at the top of the NBA Cup standings, a reminder that experience and execution still matter most when the game is on the line.
