LA Lakers lose to Sacramento Kings in TRIPLE overtime thriller

The LA Lakers blew a double digit fourth-quarter lead before losing in a triple overtime thriller to the Sacramento Kings.

In a game that saw the lead change hands 23 times, the Lakers led 126-124 a minute into the third overtime before the Kings went on an 11-2 run to go up by seven with 1:54 remaining.

Carmelo Anthony hit a three pointer with 9.4 seconds remaining to get the Lakers within a basket, before Buddy Hield sank a pair of free throws to seal a 141-137 victory.  

The Sacramento Kings celebrate after a thrilling triple overtime win over the LA Lakers

The LA Lakers fell to their sixth defeat in nine games against the Sacamento Kings

It has been a mixed start to the season for the Lakers, who have now lost six of their last nine games and hold a 10-11 record.

Their start was not helped with LeBron James missing eight games, but since his return they have now lost three of their last five.

It was the first time this season that the Lakers had four players with at least 20 points this season.

LeBron James netted 30 points but the Lakers squandered a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter

LeBron led the way with 30, Russell Westbrook who has had a slow start since joining the Lakers got 29, Anthony Davis 23 and Malik Monk got 20. 

The Lakers squandered a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter when the Kings stormed back to go up by five with 2:26 left. 

They tied the game up after a three pointer followed by a LeBron layup, but the legendary NBA star’s 29-foot three pointer at the buzzer was off as they missed the chance to win it in regulation. 

It was not the only time the Lakers threw away a lead as they were up by seven in the first overtime before their opponents scored seven straight, including Hield’s three pointer to tie it with 28 seconds remaining.

De’Aaron Fox (pictured) and Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings with 34 and 25 points respectively

Davis had a driving lay-up with nine seconds left but Sacramento forced a second overtime after Hield’s 18-foot jumper. 

Hield scored 13 of his 25 points after regulation while De’Aaron Fox led the way with 34 points.

Youngster Tyrese Haliburton added 19 for the Kings who had seven players hit double figures.

The Kings are now 2-1 under interim coach Alvin Gentry and hold a 8-12 record.    

New York Knicks 97-118 Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker scored 32 points as the Phoenix Suns secured their 15th straight victory – matching the second longest winning streak in franchise history.

Chris Paul had 14 points and 10 assists to help the Suns improve to a 16-3 record, only behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

Last season’s beaten finalists next face a tricky trip on Saturday night to Eastern Conference leaders Brooklyn Nets.

Booker was an impressive 14 for 27 from the field making four three-pointers. Deandre Ayton added 14 points and 13 rebounds while Kemba Walker was the best scorer for the Knicks with 17. 

Devin Booked inspired the Phoenix Suns who secured their 15th straight win on the bounce

Golden State Warriors 118-103 Portland Trail Blazers 

Steph Curry continued his scintillating start to the season with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in a convincing win for the Western Conference Leaders.

Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points as Golden State took their sixth consecutive victory to move to a 17-2 record.

Anfernee Simons hit a three pointer for Portland to narrow the gap to eight, before Curry connected from long range the next two Warriors possessions to put the game to bed.

Simons scored 19 points off the bench while Portland All Star Damian Lillard’s steak of nine straight games with 20 points or more ended, as he finished with a below-par 16.  

Steph Curry continued his fine start to the season with 32 points in a victory on Friday

Milwaukee Bucks 120-109 Denver Nuggets   

The reigning NBA champions moved up to a 12-8 record in a victory inspired by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo who got 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Pat Connaughton added 20 points off the bench as Milwaukee took their sixth straight victory in a game they never trailed.

Their victory was over a depleted Denver Nuggets team who didn’t have last season’s MVP Nikola Jokic available, after he missed his fourth straight game with a sprained wrist.

Antetokounmpo hit 10 of his 13 shots in just 30 minutes, while Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 19 points and nine rebounds.  

The Bucks took their sixth straight win thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance