Luka Doncic added another MVP-level performance to his resumé Thursday night, but even his historic triple-double wasn’t enough to keep the Los Angeles Lakers atop a key NBA leaderboard. After leading L.A. to a 143-135 win over the Utah Jazz, the superstar was informed postgame that the Lakers had lost their No. 1 clutch defensive rating, and his brief reaction said it all.
Doncic got 45 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals, marking his first 45-point triple-double of the season and the 85th of his career. He either scored or assisted on 16 of the Lakers’ 27 baskets in the first half, keeping Los Angeles within striking distance as Utah shot a blistering 70% in the first quarter.
But even though the Lakers improved to 19-7 and 10-0 in clutch situations this season, their clutch defensive rating slipped to No. 2.
Knicks dethrone Lakers in clutch defensive rating
During Doncic’s postgame media availability, a reporter pointed out that the Lakers had been bumped from the top spot in clutch defense. According to the current 2025-26 NBA clutch defensive metrics:
- Lakers clutch defensive rating: 93.6, previously No. 1
- Knicks clutch defensive rating: 92.0, new No. 1
The Knicks passed Los Angeles following their latest win, knocking the NBA Cup champions out of the top slot.
Doncic’s one-word reaction?
Wow.
While brief, the response reflected the mindset that has defined his season, hyper-focused on winning, not stats.
Despite Utah shooting lights-out early and playing without star Lauri Markkanen, Los Angeles rallied. A 14-5 fourth-quarter run, followed by consecutive Doncic threes, pushed the Lakers to a 131-119 advantage with 4:23 remaining, sealing the win.
Doncic on MVP talk
The Lakers guard is averaging 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, placing him near the top of the MVP race alongside Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
When asked about MVP expectations, Doncic made his point crystal clear:
My first focus, obviously, is Championship. I don’t try to think much of individual awards, but obviously, anybody who plays basketball wants the MVP. Obviously, I want it, but it’s gonna come with our team winning.
The performance against Utah was just his fifth triple-double as a Laker, but performances like Thursday’s continue to fuel comparisons to the league’s legends.
Doncic has received MVP votes in six of his eight NBA seasons. The only exceptions were his rookie year, when he won Rookie of the Year, and last season, when injuries kept him below the 50-game eligibility threshold.
Doncic’s reaction, performance, and leadership all point to one thing: this Lakers team is built for the long haul, and MVP debates mean little without a title run behind them.
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