Anthony Davis scored 40 points, and LeBron James made history as the first player to record a triple-double in 25 different seasons as the Los Angeles Lakers topped the San Antonio Spurs 120-115 on Friday in their opener of the NBA Cup.
James had his fourth straight triple-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in 38 minutes to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 121-114 on Wednesday night. The streak ties the all-time Lakers triple-double streak and makes James the oldest player in NBA history to reach the feat. Even on a night where he committed seven turnovers, James still appreciated his sustained impact. “I love the game, and I’m happy I’m still able to help our ball club win,” he said.
Davis added a game-high 12 rebounds in a showdown of NBA big men with Spurs counterpart Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama, the French big man, finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds but couldn’t elevate the Spurs to victory. Davis ended the Spurs’ slim chance late in the fourth quarter when he dunked while driving to the basket. He had key assists on one James layup and one of his free throws.
AD has been phenomenal this year,” James said. “He’s not just the first option; he’s the second option too. We lean on him every night.”
In the other game, the Cleveland Cavaliers kept their perfect season start intact with an easy 144-126 win against the Chicago Bulls in an East Group C encounter. Donovan Mitchell led the effort with 37 points as the Cavaliers improved to 14-0 — the sixth-best season start in NBA history.
James Harden made history in the Clippers’ 125-104 loss to Houston, tying Ray Allen for second on the all-time 3-pointers list with 2,973. Jabari Smith scored 28 points to propel the Rockets to victory in a West Group A matchup.
In other action, Brandon Ingram’s 29 points ended New Orleans’ six-game skid with a 101-94 win over Denver, while Jalen Brunson’s last-second 3-pointer lifted the New York Knicks to a dramatic 124-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
The NBA Cup tipped off in thrilling fashion as teams sought an early jump in the inaugural in-season tournament.
