Doncic’s 48-Point Outburst Sends Lakers Past Timberwolves 128-110
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LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic erupted for 48 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists on Friday night, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
The matchup served as the first meeting between the clubs since Minnesota eliminated Los Angeles in five games during last season’s playoffs. Thanks to Doncic’s performance, the Lakers evened their record at 1-1 after dropping their opener earlier in the week.
Fast start, big first quarter
Minnesota opened the contest with a 10-4 burst before Doncic answered with seven straight points to keep the home team close. The Timberwolves stayed hot from long range and built a 21-13 lead, forcing head coach JJ Redick to call timeout. Anthony Edwards extended the gap to double figures, but Los Angeles trimmed the deficit to 40-36 by the end of the quarter behind 23 points from Doncic.
Halftime edge
Back-to-back three-pointers from Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves knotted the game at 52 midway through the second period. Moments later, Redick unsuccessfully challenged a foul on Gabe Vincent and picked up a technical, a sequence that sparked a defensive surge from Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt. Doncic closed the half with 32 points, sending the Lakers to the locker room up 68-63.
Pulling away in the third
Los Angeles opened the third quarter on an 8-5 spurt, prompting a Minnesota timeout. Doncic and Deandre Ayton then connected repeatedly in pick-and-roll action, while Reaves converted a three-point play to stretch the margin to double digits. The Lakers carried a 108-94 advantage into the fourth.
Finishing the job
Doncic scored the first five points of the final period, effectively sealing the result. He finished 14-for-23 from the field and 14-for-15 at the free-throw line, flirting with a triple-double in 37 minutes.
What’s next
The Lakers begin their first road trip of the season Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, then return home Monday to face the Portland Trail Blazers in the back end of a back-to-back.
Source: Lakers Nation
