NBA roundup: LeBron James and Anthony Davis power Lakers to victory over Celtics

LeBron James (40) and Anthony Davis (31) played pivotal roles in leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive 117-96 victory over the reigning champion Boston Celtics on Thursday.

This matchup marked the first encounter of the season between these two storied franchises, which collectively boast 35 NBA championships. The Lakers delivered an impressive all-around performance, effectively outmatching the visiting Celtics.

James concluded the game with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Davis contributed 24 points. Additionally, point guard Austin Reaves added 23 points, including four three-pointers.

For the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis was the leading scorer with 22 points, while Jayson Tatum managed only 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field.

The Lakers maintained control throughout the game, outscoring Boston 34-23 in the first quarter and establishing a 19-point lead by halftime, a margin they never relinquished.

At one point in the fourth quarter, the Lakers' lead swelled to 28 points, and James observed with satisfaction as his son Bronny was brought into the game by head coach J.J. Redick for the final moments.

With this victory, the Lakers improved their season record to 24-18, positioning them fifth in the Western Conference, while the Celtics remain second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 31-14.

In other NBA action on Thursday, the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaders of the Western Conference, experienced only their third home loss of the season, falling 121-115 to the Dallas Mavericks.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had scored a career-high 54 points the previous day, added 31 points in this game, while teammate Jalen Williams contributed 33 points.

However, a resilient performance from Dallas, highlighted by Spencer Dinwiddie's 28 points and Kyrie Irving's 24 points, secured the victory for the Mavericks.

In Denver, Nikola Jokic achieved his 20th triple-double of the season, leading the Nuggets to a 132-123 triumph over the Sacramento Kings. The Serbian star recorded 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists in a commanding display by Denver.

Jokic captivated the home audience with one of the season's standout plays, effortlessly sinking an extraordinary three-pointer from the perimeter of the Denver arc, bringing the score to 110-85 at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone remarked that Jokic's exceptional season surpasses his previous performances in 2021, 2022, and 2024, during which he was honored as the NBA Most Valuable Player.

"This is the finest season he has ever experienced, and that is a significant statement," Malone commented regarding Jokic. "He remains unsatisfied."

In Milwaukee, the Bucks extended their winning streak to five games with a commanding 125-96 victory over the Miami Heat, who were without the recently suspended Jimmy Butler.

Damian Lillard led the scoring for the Bucks with 29 points, including five three-pointers, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points. Gary Trent Jr. added 21 points off the bench.

With this victory, the Bucks improved their record to 25-17, maintaining their position in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Earlier on Thursday, French sensation Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return to his home country as the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 140-110.

The 21-year-old, standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21m), scored 30 points, showcasing his dominance during a third-quarter surge that saw the Spurs establish a 23-point lead.

Wembanyama had been playing in the French league just a year and a half ago before being selected as the number one pick in the 2023 NBA draft, propelling him toward international acclaim.

"That was one of the games that holds a special place in my heart," Wembanyama expressed. "In terms of pure performance, it ranks among the top five."

"It means everything to me. It's incredible to receive such support from the crowd. Tonight felt different."

"The unique support from the audience was palpable, and we aimed to leverage the circumstances to our benefit, making it an easier night to do so."

In additional matchups on Thursday, the Toronto Raptors secured a narrow victory against the Atlanta Hawks, winning 122-119 in an away game. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers achieved a decisive triumph over the Orlando Magic, finishing with a score of 101-79 in Florida.

In California, the Golden State Warriors comfortably defeated the Chicago Bulls with a score of 131-106, while the Los Angeles Clippers emerged victorious against the Washington Wizards, winning 110-93.