NBA roundup: LeBron hurt as Lakers slump, Bucks triumph in double overtime

Los Angeles, California - The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers slumped to their fourth straight double-digit defeat as LeBron James had a late injury scare in a 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.  © REUTERS

James, who played 32 minutes for 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, was benched late with "left leg soreness" and did not return after wincing upon drawing a foul.

The Lakers loss was their fifth straight defeat when James has scored 30 points, while it was their ninth consecutive defeat to the Clippers, dating back to 2020. That streak is the second longest in series history.

Paul George fired for the Clippers, with 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting along with six rebounds and two blocks, bringing up his sixth straight 25-point game, which is the longest run in his time with the franchise. Norman Powell contributed 18 points off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn axed after shaky start
NBA Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn axed after shaky start

Anthony Davis scored 21 points with nine rebounds but was shy on offense, while Russell Westbrook managed 14 points with nine assists in 30 minutes off the bench.

The Clippers, who are still without two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, have won five of their past six games and improved to 7-5, while the Lakers are 2-9.

Short-handed Bucks triumph in 2OT

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jevon Carter drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first quarter at Paycom Center.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jevon Carter drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first quarter at Paycom Center.  © IAN MAULE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

The Milwaukee Bucks overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime 136-132 without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday to improve their record to 10-1 and bounce back after their first loss of the season.

Antetokounmpo and Holiday sat out with a sore left knee and sprained right ankle respectively, but Jevon Carter stepped up with a career-high 36 points and 12 assists.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 39 points, drained a triple to give OKC a one-point lead with 0.6 seconds remaining in the first overtime.

Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players
NBA Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players

Bucks center Brook Lopez, who contributed 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, was fouled by Lu Dort on the inbound pass, but missed one of his two free-throws, sending the game to second overtime, where Milwaukee finished the job.

Around the league

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen fight for a rebound during the first half at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen fight for a rebound during the first half at State Farm Arena.  © REUTERS

The Utah Jazz continued their surprise start to the season with a 125-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks, moving them to a Western Conference-leading 10-3 record.

The Jazz rallied after blowing a 12-point lead, piling on 40 fourth-quarter points with Lauri Markkanen scoring a season-high 32 points. Malik Beasley scored six three-pointers, including four in the fourth period, for 18 points for the game.

Luka Doncic was held to less than 30 points for the first time this season, scoring 24 points on nine-of-29 field shooting, as the Dallas Mavericks lost 94-87 to the Orlando Magic.

Kevin Durant had a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Brooklyn Nets blew out the New York Knicks 112-85 without the suspended Kyrie Irving.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS

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