Lakers vs. Warriors/ Christmas Day NBA/ LeBron James records/ Austin Reaves game-winner/ Stephen Curry highlights/ SAN FRANCISCO/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James scored 31 points and Austin Reaves hit a game-winning layup with one second left as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Golden State Warriors 115-113 in a Christmas Day thriller. James, playing in his NBA-record 19th Christmas game, also dished out 10 assists. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, including two clutch late 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers.
Lakers Hold Off Warriors in Christmas Day Thriller: Quick Looks
- Key Performers:
- Lakers: LeBron James (31 points, 10 assists), Austin Reaves (26 points, triple-double).
- Warriors: Stephen Curry (38 points, eight 3-pointers).
- Key Stats:
- LeBron earned his 11th Christmas Day win, breaking Dwyane Wade’s record.
- Curry joined an elite group with 11 Christmas Day starts.
- Injury Updates:
- Lakers: Anthony Davis (sprained ankle), D’Angelo Russell (sprained thumb).
- Warriors: Draymond Green received his 8th technical of the season.
- Next Games:
- Warriors visit the Clippers on Friday.
- Lakers host Sacramento on Saturday.
LeBron James Leads Lakers to Thrilling Christmas Win Over Warriors
Deep Look
LeBron’s Record-Breaking Christmas Performance
LeBron James further solidified his legacy, scoring 31 points with 10 assists in his record 19th Christmas Day game. James also earned his 11th Christmas Day win, passing Dwyane Wade for the most in NBA history.
“Playing on Christmas is always special,” James said postgame. “To share the court with Steph and make history means a lot.”
Reaves’ Game-Winning Heroics
Austin Reaves delivered a Christmas miracle, hitting a game-winning layup with one second left after Stephen Curry tied the game with a deep 31-foot 3-pointer just seconds earlier. Reaves finished with a triple-double: 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Curry’s Hot Hand Comes Up Short
Stephen Curry kept the Warriors in the game with 38 points, including eight 3-pointers. His late-game heroics, featuring two clutch triples in the final minutes, gave Golden State a chance, but the Lakers held firm.
Warriors’ Struggles Continue
The loss marks Golden State’s 11th defeat in 14 games, highlighting their ongoing struggles. Draymond Green’s technical foul late in the second quarter reflected the team’s frustrations.
Key Moments in the Duel
The Christmas showdown rekindled memories of past matchups between James and Curry, who have faced off in multiple Finals and Christmas Day games. Highlights included Curry’s dazzling deep 3-pointer at the 10:59 mark of the second quarter, answered immediately by a James triple, thrilling fans with their back-and-forth play.
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