Lakers’ LeBron era still nothing but losses
Patty Mills hit a go-ahead jumper with 6.8 seconds left and San Antonio kept the Lakers winless with LeBron James, rallying from a sixpoint deficit in the final minute of overtime for a 143-142 victory Monday night in Los Angeles.
James hit a tying threepointer with 2.4 seconds left in regulation and finished with 32 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds. However, he missed two free-throw tries with 12.8 seconds to play in OT, and Mills put the Spurs ahead soon thereafter.
James missed a long shot at the buzzer, thoroughly deflating Staples Center.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 37 points and 10 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan added 32 points and 14 assists as the Spurs bounced back from a loss at Portland.
Kyle Kuzma had 37 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who played without suspended starters Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo. Josh Hart added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
James’ dramatic three from a full step beyond the arc capped the Lakers’ improbable rally from an eight-point deficit in the final 1:04 of regulation. The Lakers then took a 142-136 lead late in overtime with a lineup matching James with three second-year pros and Gonzaga alum Johnathan Williams, in his NBA debut.
Ingram said he’s grateful he was suspended for only four games for his part in Saturday’s brawl with the Rockets. The normally mild-mannered forward confronted an official, shoved James Harden and threw punches at Chris Paul.
Raptors 127, Hornets 106:
Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points, Kyle Lowry had 16 points and 14 assists, and host Toronto did not trail in a victory over Charlotte. Jonas Valanciunas scored 17 points, Danny Green had 16, and Serge Ibaka added 15 as the unbeaten Raptors won for the ninth time in 11 meetings with the Hornets. Kemba Walker scored 26 points and Jeremy Lamb had 16 as the Hornets dropped their first road game of the season.
Wizards 125, Trail Blazers 124:
Markieff Morris had 28 points, including six three-pointers and visiting Washington got its first win of the season. Bradley Beal added 25 points for the Wizards. Damian Lillard’s would-be game-winning layup at the buzzer was blocked by Otto Porter Jr. Lillard had 29 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Trail Blazers, who took their first loss after opening the season 2-0.
Bucks 124, Knicks 113:
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 15 assists, Khris Middleton sank two late three-pointers and host Milwaukee survived a second-half rally by New York. Middleton was efficient in scoring 30 points, going 7-for-8 from three-point range. Antetokounmpo had only one three, but it came in a big spot, giving the unbeaten Bucks the lead for good midway through the fourth period.
Mavericks 115, Bulls 109:
DeAndre Jordan became the first Dallas player in 24 years to start a season with three straight double-doubles, getting 18 points and 16 rebounds to help the host Mavs beat Chicago. Luka Doncic scored 19 in the 19-yearold’s second home game. Zach LaVine scored 34 for the Bulls and is the third Chicago player to open a season with three straight 30-point games.
Timberwolves 101, Pacers 91:
Jimmy Butler returned to Minnesota’s lineup and scored 20 points to lead the Timberwolves over visiting Indiana. Butler, who received a mix of boos and cheers during player introductions, sat out Saturday for precautionary rest.
Magic 93, Celtics 90:
Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 12 rebounds and visiting Orlando withstood two three-point attempts by Boston in the closing seconds to pull out the win. Jonathan Isaac added 18 points and 12 boards for the Magic.
Grizzlies 92, Jazz 84:
Mike Conley had 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead visiting Memphis. Marc Gasol finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and four assists before fouling out with 3:41 left. Shelvin Mack added 12 points off the bench for the Grizzlies.
Barton out:
The Nuggets say starting forward Will Barton strained his right hip along with his core in a win over the Suns on Saturday and there’s no timetable for his return.