Thunder nip Lakers on LeBron James’ record night

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James owned the highlight Tuesday by setting the NBA’s all-time scoring report, though the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder left their mark on the proceedings by incomes a 133-130 victory.

James handed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring report of 38,387 factors on a fallaway jumper from simply past the free-throw line with 10.9 seconds remaining within the third quarter. He completed with 38 factors within the recreation to provide him 38,390 in his 20-year-career.

Abdul-Jabbar, who celebrated the feat with James at heart court docket, owned the report for practically 39 years, having surpassed Wilt Chamberlain on April 5, 1984.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 factors and dished out eight assists for the Thunder, whereas Jalen Williams added 25 factors. Oklahoma City gained for simply the fourth time up to now 9 video games after successful 4 straight from Jan. 12-18.

The Thunder led by as many as 15 factors within the first half and had been up by 13 within the third quarter, however James’ milestone basket introduced Los Angeles inside 104-99 heading into the ultimate interval.

The Lakers tied the sport at 106-106 on a hoop by Rui Hachimura with 9:34 remaining, however a 12-0 run by the Thunder, capped by a layup from Josh Giddey, gave the guests a 118-106 benefit with seven minutes left.

Kenrich Williams’ dunk with 6.6 seconds left gave the Thunder a six-point edge. Los Angeles halved the deficit on a 3-pointer by Patrick Beverley with 1.3 seconds to go.

Giddey had 20 factors for the Thunder, whereas Mike Muscala added 16, Isaiah Joe had 15 and Jaylin Williams contributed 14.

Russell Westbrook had 27 factors for the Lakers, whereas Hachimura added 14. Austin Reaves performed seven scoreless minutes for Los Angeles after lacking the earlier 16 video games on account of a hamstring damage.

James missed his first two pictures of the sport earlier than scoring his first basket on a 3-pointer from the left wing with 7:03 remaining within the first quarter. He had 20 factors by halftime, though Los Angeles trailed 76-66 on the break.

James scored 16 factors within the third quarter to set the all-time report, and the sport was paused for a short on-court celebration. James left the competition with just below a minute remaining stretching his proper foot.

The Thunder put the sport away by outscoring the Lakers 31-29 within the fourth quarter.

–Field Level Media/Reuters