Doncic Returns, Lakers Reach 50 Wins After 127-113 Victory Over Cavaliers
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The Los Angeles Lakers collected their 50th win of the season on Tuesday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-113 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Guard Luka Doncic rejoined the lineup after a one-game suspension and helped extend L.A.’s winning streak to four. The Cavaliers, playing the second half of a back-to-back, could not keep pace despite a fast start.
Game flow
Cleveland center Jarrett Allen scored the first six points, but forward LeBron James answered for the Lakers, and Doncic soon found his rhythm. The Cavaliers hit from long range to carry a 34-32 edge into the second quarter.
L.A. tightened its defense early in the period. Reserve forward Jake LaRavia contributed on both ends, and guard Austin Reaves converted three free throws after being fouled behind the arc. Center Deandre Ayton was active on the offensive glass, while Doncic continued to score from deep. LaRavia’s dunk over Allen punctuated a 65-53 halftime lead.
The Lakers opened the third quarter with a series of alley-oops—Reaves and Doncic each connecting with Ayton—followed by a transition dunk from James. Doncic’s outside shooting widened the margin to 20, and late three-pointers from Rui Hachimura and LaRavia sent Los Angeles into the fourth holding a 110-83 advantage.
Cleveland emptied its bench to start the final frame, trimming the deficit to 14 before Doncic re-entered. The Lakers steadied and closed out the contest without further threat.
Up next
Los Angeles begins a brief two-game road trip on Thursday against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, then visits the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Source: LakersNation.com
