Luka Doncic Leads Lakers Past Spurs for Fifth Straight Win
Luka Doncic scored 35 points and handed out 13 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double as the Lakers rallied to win 118-116 over the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers closed the game on a 21-10 run and withstood a late error to secure their victory in a contest marked by 66 fouls and 84 free throw attempts.
Focus on Victor Wembanyama
Leading up to the game, nearly all questions directed at Lakers Coach JJ Redick and center Deandre Ayton centered on Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 French player, noted by Redick for his rare ability to challenge opponents' strategies on both ends of the court, was a major storyline.
Lakers’ Defensive Effort
The Lakers delivered a strong defensive effort to contain Wembanyama, helping to limit his impact. Doncic’s all-around play was crucial, as he added nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks alongside his scoring and assists.
“Our group is so connected right now, we were able to get back together and there was no quitting,” Redick said. “It’s a connected group.”
Performance Highlights
- Doncic returned after sitting out Monday's game in Portland.
- Despite shooting 9 for 27 from the field, he made the key plays needed.
- The Lakers improved to 7-2 overall before a five-game road trip.
“For him and for the group, the word of the day is like resiliency,” Redick added.
The Lakers’ resilience was on full display as they overcame a difficult, foul-heavy game to extend their winning streak to five.
Summary: Luka Doncic’s versatile performance and the Lakers’ strong team resilience fueled a hard-fought 118-116 victory over the Spurs, marking their fifth win in a row.