Lakers, LeBron James Let the Win Escape in the End vs. Dallas Mavericks for a 3rd Straight Loss

By Jess Smith Mar 02 2022, 04:21 AM EST

The Dallas Mavericks blew a huge early lead and then rallied for a 109-104 victory on Tuesday night over the Lakers. This was Los Angeles' third straight loss.

The Mavericks closed its five-game road trip with a win, leading by as many as 21 in the first half, and had to stave off a furious second-half comeback by the Lakers. Dallas advanced to 37-25 and thanks to Luka Doncic's 25 points and eight rebounds.

Lakers lost three straight and six of its last seven games. LeBron James led the squad with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Dallas Mavericks Take Care of Business Against Struggling Los Angeles Lakers

Tuesday's night game was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Dallas Mavericks recently found their stride, whereas the Los Angeles Lakers struggle.

During the first two quarters, Dallas was clicking on all cylinders and playing with high energy on both ends of the floor. The team attacked the basket for easy chances while also taking advantage of the Lakers' mistakes.

The Dallas Mavericks had 12 second-chance points and nine points off turnovers in the first half. However, in the third quarter, the shots did not fall as easily, as the Lakers rallied to tie the game, erasing the opponent's 21-point lead.

Due to six turnovers, the Mavericks were outscored 31-14 in the third quarter. Dallas regained its composure in the final frame, returning to the hard-nosed defense it displayed in the first half. The Lakers were held to 17 points on 36.8 percent shooting.

While the Lakers were stifled, Luka Doncic was able to take over in the final minutes and secured the team's victory. It wasn't an easy win, but Dallas showed that it could fight back when it gets hit in the mouth by a scrappy opponent.

Dallas, which has won 21 of its last 28 games, can be a dangerous team in the playoffs, and they have a chance to push for homecourt advantage if they keep playing like this as the season winds down.

Los Angeles Lakers' Third-Quarter Comeback Not Enough

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled in the first half as they opened the game with a lackluster effort on the defensive end. It resulted in Dallas Mavericks having whatever they wanted on offense and shooting 55.6 percent from the field.

After halftime, however, a miraculous 12 minutes made things interesting. The Lakers came out in the third quarter with a level of energy that they have never shown much of this season.

Los Angeles' effort appeared to surprise Dallas, as they failed to get their offense going as it had in the first two quarters. LeBron James spearheaded his team's comeback with three triples and thrilled the home crowd.

Los Angeles overcame a 15-point deficit at halftime to take a two-point lead entering the fourth. The Lakers could not finish things off in the final frame when the team was outscored 15-4 to end the game.

It was even more surprising when Luka Doncic singled out LeBron James on defense, and the 23-year-old was able to go to his spots and put his team ahead.

Los Angeles has struggled to close games, time and time again this season. Although they showed character in the third quarter to come back from a deficit, it was obviously was not. At this rate, the Lakers are unlikely to advance beyond the play-in tournament.

The Lakers will face a team also in the play-in game as they meet the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday in a "road" game for the second time in three games.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks will also try to keep the momentum going on Thursday at home against the Golden State Warriors, who they defeated Sunday after overcoming a 21-point deficit.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: MAVERICKS at LAKERS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | March 1, 2022 - From NBA