The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to a blistering seven games on Wednesday night, hitting 11-2 on the season, all despite Austin Reaves going down with a left heel injury in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a 123-112 victory at Fiserv Forum, and it showed the entire league that this Lakers squad isn’t backing down, even when faced with adversity. Meanwhile, the Bucks continue their freefall, now sitting at a dismal 1-11 after an eighth consecutive loss.
Dončić Steps Up While Reaves Shines Early
What a night for Luka Dončić, who came back from missing Sunday’s win over Detroit and dropped a cool 32 points, adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. He was absolutely on fire, especially from deep. Austin Reaves, who had missed Monday’s win against the Hawks, was back in the lineup alongside Dončić, and he was cooking early, too. Reaves attacked the lane, took advantage of those Bucks’ defensive lapses focused on Dončić, and even threw in a no-look basket and a dunk in the first half for good measure before that tough third-quarter injury.
But it wasn’t just the main guys. Sandro Mamukelashvili came off the bench and provided a huge spark with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and his outside shooting was clutch. Walker Kessler pulled down a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, plus a block and a steal. This team just keeps finding ways to get it done. The Purple and Gold built an 11-point lead by halftime, and honestly, the Bucks just looked overmatched for most of it. Tyler Herro had 27 points, 7 assists, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in 25 for Milwaukee, even Nate Ament had a monster dunk, but it just wasn’t enough. Dončić kept answering every small bit of momentum the Bucks tried to build, either with his own scoring or by setting up teammates like Kessler, Mamukelashvili, and Ziaire Williams for triples in the third quarter. By the time Dončić hit an and-1 jumper to end the third, the game was sealed.
Lakers Power Through Injury Scares
The big story outside the win was the injury scares. Reaves’ left heel injury in the third quarter was a gut punch, especially after he had just returned. With the Lakers cruising to a 21-point lead in the third, there was no reason to risk putting him back in. Dončić, too, had an injury scare in the fourth quarter, but with such a comfortable lead, the coaching staff wisely kept him out. This Lakers team is proving they can win even when their stars aren’t 100% or are sidelined.
This might be early in the season, but these wins are absolutely critical for the Lakers. They are trying to remain a threat in the crowded push for the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed, and you simply cannot drop games against teams like Milwaukee, who are one of the worst in the league. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets are taking care of business, so the Lakers have to do the same to keep pace. They showed they’re ready for that challenge on Wednesday.
The Lakers have got a ton of momentum right now, and they’ll need every bit of it heading into Sunday’s road game against the Phoenix Suns. Can they keep this incredible streak alive? You know we’ll be watching!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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