What Happened in the NBA Last Night? Lakers Falter, Pacers Shock Celtics

Doncic tallied 42 points, yet the Lakers fell 124–112 to the Sacramento Kings. Pacers shocked Celtics with Siakam’s game-winner. Lowry received a hero’s send-off in Toronto. Cavaliers were defeated by Jazz.

Why Did the Lakers Lose Despite Luka Doncic’s 42 Points?

Luka Doncic scored a game-high 42 points, yet even his excellence couldn’t prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a third consecutive loss, losing 124–112 to the faltering Sacramento Kings on Monday evening.

LeBron James, wearing a unique jersey patch to celebrate his remarkable 23rd season in the NBA, contributed 22 points during a forgettable evening for the Lakers’ offense.

Los Angeles struggled significantly with long-range shots, making only eight of 36 attempts from beyond the arc, a shooting downturn that was decisive. In the meantime, Doncic and James were among just four Lakers to hit double digits, with Deandre Ayton contributing 13 and Jaxson Hayes providing 12 from the bench.

The absence of assistance and poor shooting kept the Lakers trailing throughout the second half.

Sacramento, positioned towards the lower end of the Western Conference, took advantage of the opportunity. DeMar DeRozan topped the scoring with 32 points, and Russell Westbrook contributed 22 against his old team to secure a significant victory.

In Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers shocked the Boston Celtics 98–96 with Pascal Siakam’s late floater, which became the decisive basket with seven seconds remaining. Derrick White’s buzzer-beater attempt from long range missed, giving the Pacers an uncommon win at home.

In Toronto, feelings overshadowed all else when Kyle Lowry was given a standing ovation in what might be his last game in the city. The Philadelphia 76ers secured a 115–102 victory with Tyrese Maxey scoring 33 points and Joel Embiid contributing 27, but the evening was highlighted by the Raptors’ cherished 2019 championship star.

In another game, the Utah Jazz surprised the Cleveland Cavaliers 123–112, fueled by 32 points from Keyonte George and 28 from Lauri Markkanen, concluding a night filled with surprises throughout the NBA.