Luka Doncic Scores 45 as Lakers Bounce Back to Beat Raptors
Luka Doncic scored 45 points with 15 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 win over the Toronto Raptors, bouncing back from their loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Lakers Hold On in Toronto
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 131-125 on the road, just one game after losing to the Golden State Warriors. In that game, Doncic was knocked off balance by a Stephen Curry move that went viral.
The Lakers took the lead early in the first quarter and never gave it up. They led by as many as 26 points in the third quarter. The Raptors fought back hard and won the fourth quarter 43-27, but the Lakers held on for the win.
Doncic Answers His Critics
Doncic finished with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals. It was his third 40-point game in his last four outings. He was red-hot in the first half, making six of seven three-pointers and scoring 24 of the Lakers’ 66 points.
Asked about criticism of his defence, Doncic said people will always say bad things about him, so he only wants to focus on himself and the team. He added that he believes he has improved a lot on both offence and defence this season.
Austin Reaves added 19 points for the Lakers. Walker Kessler made all six of his shots and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. For Toronto, three players scored more than 20 points, led by Scottie Barnes with 29 points and six rebounds.
Rookie Lendeborg Leads Warriors
The Golden State Warriors beat the LA Clippers 124-112 at home for their fourth win in a row, even without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored 37 points and added six assists. De’Anthony Melton had 21 points, and both players made six three-pointers. Brandin Podziemski added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Rui Hachimura led the Clippers with 24 points and seven rebounds.
Nets Get First Win
The Brooklyn Nets won their first game of the season, beating the Indiana Pacers 98-90 on the road. Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points with nine rebounds, and Julius Randle added 20 points and six assists. The Sacramento Kings, at 0-6, are now the only team in the NBA without a win.
Tatum Leads Celtics
The Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic 108-97 on the road. Jayson Tatum scored 32 points with seven assists, and five Celtics players reached double figures. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva each scored 23 points for Orlando.