Luka Doncic Leads Lakers to Thrilling Victory Over Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 118–116, marking their fifth consecutive win. The decisive run was a 21–10 stretch to close the game, as reported by News.Az, citing ESPN.
Doncic’s Impactful Performance
Luka Doncic starred with 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, and five steals. He scored eight points in the final quarter, including a crucial go-ahead three-pointer with 2:31 remaining.
Supporting Contributions
- Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers.
- Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 19 points and eight rebounds but fouled out with 1:39 left.
- Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan each scored 16 points as San Antonio suffered their second consecutive loss after a 5–0 start.
Key Moments in the Closing Seconds
After Kelly Olynyk’s putback with 1.2 seconds left, Marcus Smart committed an inbound violation, giving San Antonio a chance to win. Justin Champagnie fouled while trying to tip in the Spurs’ inbound pass but missed the first free throw and no one converted the second at the buzzer.
"Despite shooting just 9-for-27 from the field, Doncic’s playmaking and clutch scoring proved decisive in a foul-heavy contest."
Both Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Sochan fouled out late in the fourth quarter, while the Lakers prevented the Spurs from scoring a field goal for nearly four and a half minutes, swinging momentum firmly their way.
Author’s Summary
Luka Doncic’s versatile and timely scoring lifted the Lakers to an intense comeback win, highlighting his key role in the team’s ongoing streak.