Doncic’s 45-Point Triple-Double Pushes Lakers Over Jazz 143-135
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SALT LAKE CITY — Luka Doncic delivered 45 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists and five steals with just one turnover on Thursday night, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The performance marked only the second time in NBA history that a player logged at least 40 points, a triple-double and five steals since steals became an official statistic in 1973-74. It was Doncic’s 10th career 40-point triple-double, placing him alongside James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson as the only players to reach double digits in that category. He is also the first Laker to post a 40-point triple-double since Magic Johnson achieved the feat on March 28, 1981—also against Utah.
Los Angeles committed a season-low seven turnovers, allowing just nine fast-break points. “I think that one turnover is the best stat on this sheet,” Doncic said. “We had seven turnovers, which is impressive for us, and we won the game.”
Head coach JJ Redick praised the playmaking duo of Doncic and LeBron James, who combined for 24 assists and only three turnovers. “He played well enough to lead us to a win,” Redick said. “Him and LeBron, with 24 assists and three turnovers.”
James scored 28 points, added 10 assists and seven rebounds, and stayed in the game after rookie Walter Clayton Jr. collided with the inside of his left knee midway through the second quarter. “Just a little bolt to the knee,” James said. “We dodged a bullet there.”
The Lakers improved to 19-7 and remain perfect in clutch situations at 10-0 this season. The victory came without starters Austin Reaves (calf) and Deandre Ayton (elbow). Losses by the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons elsewhere on Thursday helped Los Angeles gain ground in the Western Conference standings.
Source: ESPN
