Luka Doncic Criticizes Slippery NBA Cup Court After 43-Point Night
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Luka Doncic poured in 43 points, handed out 13 assists and grabbed nine rebounds on Tuesday, leading the Los Angeles Lakers past the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena and cementing a berth in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. After the win, the All-Star guard directed sharp criticism at the specially painted tournament court, calling it “slippery” and “dangerous.”
“I slipped a lot of times, and you could see a lot of players slipped,” Doncic told reporters. He said he experienced no traction issues on NBA Cup floors in Memphis or New Orleans, but began sliding during pre-game warmups in Los Angeles despite asking an attendant for an additional sweep.
The Lakers plan to address the surface before Friday’s final group-stage game against Dallas.
Ayton’s Knee Contusion Considered Minor
Starting center Deandre Ayton missed Tuesday’s contest with a right knee contusion. Head coach JJ Redick said imaging showed no structural damage and described the swelling as “day-to-day,” adding that the club hopes to have Ayton back by week’s end.
Hayes Steps Up, Defends Teammate
With Ayton sidelined, reserve big man Jaxson Hayes made his second start of the season. He finished plus-21 in 30 minutes and became involved in a brief altercation after Clippers guard Kris Dunn knocked Doncic to the floor while fighting for a rebound. Dunn shoved the ball into Doncic’s chest, prompting Hayes to push Dunn. Officials assessed Dunn an ejection and gave Hayes a technical foul. Doncic later said he would cover Hayes’s fine.
Timme Debuts in Limited Minutes
Two-way rookie Drew Timme appeared for the first time in a Lakers uniform, logging 72 seconds late in the fourth quarter. Before tipoff, Redick praised the former collegiate standout’s offensive skill set and “underrated” defensive rebounding, saying he looks forward to deploying Timme when needed.
Source: Hoops Rumors
