Doncic Applauds Lakers’ Team-Wide Effort in Overtime Victory Over Nuggets
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LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic pointed to contributions from every corner of the roster after the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Denver Nuggets 121-119 in overtime on March 14, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena.
The win was Los Angeles’ fifth in a row and eighth in its last nine games. Doncic delivered his 28th triple-double of the season with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, capping the night with the game-winning shot in the extra period.
“It felt like every guy who stepped on the floor did something to get us that win,” Doncic said postgame. “The crowd got into it and that helped us a lot.”
Key contributions across the lineup
Austin Reaves poured in 32 points and forced overtime with a last-second basket in regulation. Marcus Smart added 21 points, while LeBron James posted 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, highlighted by a pivotal hustle play late in the fourth quarter. Center Deandre Ayton anchored the defense in overtime, controlling the glass and altering shots.
The Lakers have now beaten the Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks in the past seven days, improving their record against teams above .500. Saturday’s result moved Los Angeles to third place in the Western Conference.
Challenging schedule ahead
Head coach Darvin Ham’s team faces another demanding stretch with two games against the Houston Rockets, followed by matchups with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons—each at least eight games over .500.
James praised Doncic’s decisive basket, calling it “a big-time moment from a superstar player” and adding that he expects more clutch shots from the 26-year-old guard as the postseason approaches.
Source: Lakers Nation
