LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Anthony Davis scored a season-high 41 points as the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Toronto Raptors, 132-131, in a thrilling National Basketball Association clash on Tuesday.
A pulsating duel that saw no fewer than 23 lead changes swung decisively in favor of the Lakers, thanks to a huge fourth-quarter display from Davis.
The eight-time All-Star erupted for 20 points in a high-scoring final period, including a perfect 11-from-11 free throws, to help the Lakers overturn a six-point deficit and claim a second straight victory.
The win followed Sunday’s nail-biting derby victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, and left the Lakers at 19-19 for the season — 10th in the Western Conference.
“We’ll take it, we can do better, but obviously for us that’s a big-time win,” a relieved Davis said after the game.
Davis received crucial scoring support throughout the line-up — something that has been a problem for Los Angeles in recent outings.
LeBron James scored 22 points while five other Lakers players finished in double digits.
“All our guys came in and did a heck of a job,” Davis said.
“Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of attention on me and Bron and that’s going to give the others a lot of open shots and open plays.”
“We’ve just got to keep feeding them the ball, keep trusting them to keep making plays.”
Scottie Barnes led Toronto’s scorers with 26 points while Pascal Siakam finished with 25 and R.J. Barrett 23.
In other games on Tuesday, the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to an impressive 113-92 road victory over the Orlando Magic in Florida.
The result was never in doubt after Minnesota sprinted into a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and the Wolves continued to score freely — extending their advantage to 34 at one stage — as they romped to a wire-to-wire win.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the rout for Minnesota with 28 points including a perfect five-from-five three-pointers.
French international Rudy Gobert also caught the eye with a dynamic all-round display, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and a steal as Minnesota improved to 26-10 for the season.
Moritz Wagner led Orlando scoring with 21 points.
