Lakers Edge Warriors in Christmas Thriller, Reaves Shines with Triple-Double
On Christmas Day, the Lakers and Warriors gave fans an unforgettable showdown that came down to the wire. With LeBron James leading the charge and a heroic performance from Austin Reaves, the Lakers secured a dramatic 115-113 win over Golden State. The game was filled with highs and lows, particularly for both teams’ key players.
The biggest storyline was the absence of Anthony Davis, who was ruled out early due to an ankle injury after just seven minutes on the floor. Despite his absence, the Lakers were able to pull off the win, and much of the credit goes to LeBron James, who delivered another stellar performance with 31 points. But it wasn’t just James who made the difference; Austin Reaves was the unexpected hero. Reaves finished with a triple-double, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. His game-winning layup with just one second left was a testament to his poise and ability to step up when his team needed him the most.
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Without Davis, the Lakers had to rely on shooting, and they delivered. Despite entering the game as one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, they finished with 15 successful 3-pointers, many coming in key moments. Rui Hachimura and Max Christie also hit crucial shots to extend the Lakers' lead as Golden State kept fighting back. The Lakers' small-ball lineups worked wonders, as they were able to spread the floor and make life difficult for the Warriors.
For the Warriors, Steph Curry put on another incredible performance, scoring 38 points, but once again, he found himself carrying the load for a team struggling to get consistent help. Golden State’s supporting cast had a quiet night, with Andrew Wiggins contributing 21 points but fading in the second half. Despite shooting 40% from beyond the arc, the Warriors couldn’t take advantage of the Lakers’ lack of rim protection, particularly after Davis left the game.
The Warriors’ struggles down the stretch were evident. Dennis Schroder was tasked with running the offense while Curry rested, but he had an inefficient outing, finishing with just 3-of-10 shooting. Jonathan Kuminga showed some flashes of promise, but his plus-minus (-17) reflected the Warriors' inability to pull out a close game. This loss was a bitter pill for Golden State, who have now dropped 11 of their last 14 games.
This game showcased the resilience of the Lakers, especially with Davis sidelined, while also underscoring the Warriors' ongoing struggles to find consistent contributions beyond Curry. With the win, the Lakers continue to solidify their position as contenders, while the Warriors face a tough road ahead.
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