LeBron James hits buzzer-beater to propel Lakers and extends double-digit points streak
INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James started the fourth quarter Wednesday in danger of failing to extend his NBA record for consecutive double-digit scoring games.He finished it with yet another crowning achievement.The 40-year-old James scored the last of his 13 points on a buzzer-beating tip-in to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers, barely extending his double-digit scoring streak to 1,283.Not that James was counting.“It’s whatever it takes to help your teammates win,” James said after a replay review confirmed the winning basket.
“I can do other things to impact the game, that’s the beauty of my game, I’ve always built it my whole life as far as being three-dimensional, being able to get my guys involved, being able to rebound, defend and sprinkle some points in here and there.”The league’s career scoring leader has done far more than sprinkle his points around, especially against the Pacers.And Wednesday was no different.
He flirted with a triple-double finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists despite going just 4 of 12 from the field and 0 for 3 on 3-pointers.And this time, it appeared the Pacers might get the upper hand on their old nemesis.They’d held him to 0-for-6 shooting with three points through the first three quarters, forcing the ball out of his hands as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves delivered points.Suddenly, statisticians were checking James’ lowest single-game field goal totals and reflecting on his last single-digit game, an eight-point effort against Milwaukee on Jan.
5, 2007.But just as it seemed history might be made as the Pacers charged back from a 17-point deficit to close to 95-92 after three quarters, James re-emerged.“Obviously, I know I can score the ball,” he said.“But until we find a little rhythm offensively or whatever the case may be, the defensive side is the most important for our ballclub.”James made his first basket 49 seconds into the fourth quarter.
His...