yahoo - 3/15/2026 7:03:27 AM - GMT (+2 )
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to prove they have what it takes to be considered a contender in the Western Conference this year.
Luka Doncic and the Lakers defended home court on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, beating the Denver Nuggets 127-125 in overtime.
The Lakers have now won five straight games and eight of their last nine games. The team improved to 42-25 overall and sits third in the conference.
Doncic produced 30 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds for a triple-double against Denver. It was the Slovenian’s seventh 30-point triple-double this season and the 55th of his career.
Doncic broke free of a double team to hit a jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining in overtime to break a 125-125 tie and give Los Angeles the edge.
LUKA. CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/slrRwgyZZy
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 15, 2026
More: Lakers peaking at the right time, beat Bulls for another win as NBA playoffs approach
“I felt like it was the best atmosphere since I've been a Laker,” Doncic told reporters after the game. “The whole crowd was into it and was really special to witness that."
The clutch performance followed Doncic's previous game, where he nearly put together a triple-double. He had 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
Austin Reaves helped send the game to overtime when he intentionally missed a free-throw attempt and collected the rebound to score a jumper and tie the game at 118 with 1.9 seconds left in regulation.
AUSTIN REAVES GRABS THE BOARD OFF HIS OWN MISSED FREE THROW AND TIES THE GAME 😲
— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2026
WE ARE GOING TO OT! pic.twitter.com/aPZAJkEpxM
Reaves finished the game with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. LeBron James added 17 points, six rebounds and five assists and Marcus Smart scored 21 points.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic game winner, Austin Reaves play lead Lakers to OT win
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