The Brooklyn Nets triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers 111-108 in New York, snapping a seven-game losing streak. This game was notable for the absence of LeBron James, who was sidelined due to an injured left groin. The Lakers felt his absence, as three other starters—Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura—also missed the game due to injuries.
Cameron Johnson played a crucial role for the Nets, scoring 18 points, including a pivotal foul-line jumper over Luka Doncic. The Lakers' Austin Reaves made a significant attempt to close the gap with a layup with just 3.2 seconds left on the clock, reducing the deficit to three points. However, it was not enough to secure a win for the Lakers.
Despite Doncic's efforts, which included his second triple-double as a Laker with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, the team struggled throughout most of the final three quarters. Doncic had a challenging night shooting, going 8-for-26 from the field. Gabe Vincent emerged as a bright spot for the Lakers, scoring a season-high 24 points, although the team only managed to shoot 43.5 percent overall.
The Nets capitalized on the Lakers' struggles, taking a pair of eight-point leads within the first four minutes of the third quarter. Noah Clowney led Brooklyn's charge with 19 points, helping the team overcome an early 15-point deficit. The Nets shot 41.1 percent as a team, demonstrating resilience and determination.
The game concluded dramatically as Doncic missed a desperate 77-foot 3-point attempt at the buzzer. This missed opportunity sealed the Lakers' fate, marking their first game since James' injury with a narrow defeat.
