In the absence of LeBron James, Luka Doncic took the Lakers on his shoulders. He scored 44 points in just three quarters (32 minutes) in the 128-117 win over the Pacers. It was one of those nights when he dominates games at will. He made it clear from a devastating start: 22 points in the first quarter compared to 27 for the entire opposing team.
He surpassed 20 in the opening period for the fifth time this season, the most in at least 30 years.Coach JJ Redick spoke about his star’s competitive drive, which sometimes leads him to have run-ins like the one he recently had with him during a game.
“He’s a special player. He’s a special person. He’s a special competitor. I’d rather have someone who’s trying to go out and kick ass every night than someone you have to resuscitate with a defibrillator every other day”, the coach said.
The point guard went 14/25 from the field with 7/14 from three-point range, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists to lead his team to its fourth win in the last five games. The Lakers have bounced back after a mini-crisis with three straight losses. They remain in sixth place in the West, the last place that gives direct access without having to play in the play-in tournament, with a 38-25 record, two games ahead of the Suns.
I prefer someone like Luka who tries to go out and dominate every night than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every two days
With his performance, Doncic became the fourth player in Lakers history to score 40 points in at least 10 games in a season, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. He also has the most 40-point games in the NBA this season with 10, one more than Anthony Edwards.
Lakers injury report
LeBron was sidelined due to an accumulation of minor injuries. He ended up with a sore left elbow in the loss to the Nuggets and the injury report also included arthritis in his left foot. Deandre Ayton also missed the game after having to leave the court against Denver with left knee discomfort. Maxi Kleber completed the absentees with a lumbar strain. So many absentees gave Jaxson Hayes a starting role in the interior.Austin Reaves scored 19 points before fouling out with five minutes remaining. The game was already decided by then. After winning the first three quarters, the Lakers led by 19 at the start of the final period and not even the rest given to Doncic made them falter. For the Pacers, who have lost eight straight games and have not won since the All-Star break, Pascal Siakam’s performance, with 26 points, was insufficient.
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