Doncic Leads Lakers to Victory in NBA Cup Opener
Luka Doncic made a stunning comeback for the Los Angeles Lakers, delivering 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists to secure a 117–112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. This marked his first game after missing three due to finger and leg injuries.
Lakers Overcome Absence of LeBron James
Despite the continued absence of LeBron James, who is recovering from a sciatic nerve issue, Doncic’s return provided a significant boost for the Lakers in their NBA Cup opener. Austin Reaves contributed 21 points, and Jake LaRavia added 13.
Doncic’s Dominance Against the Grizzlies
Doncic extended his strong streak against Memphis, scoring at least 25 points for the 11th consecutive game versus the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies’ Performance and Game Flow
- Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells each scored 16 points for Memphis.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. also contributed, while Ja Morant struggled, scoring only eight points on 3-of-14 shooting but added seven assists.
- Memphis dominated the second quarter with a 27–4 run, totaling 42 points and leading 69–55 at halftime.
Lakers Rally to Secure the Win
The Lakers mounted a strong comeback after halftime, driven by Doncic’s 16-point third quarter. The game featured 14 lead changes and seven ties before Los Angeles pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to clinch victory.
Upcoming Match
The Lakers are set to host the Miami Heat on Sunday.
“It was Doncic’s first game back after missing three with finger and leg injuries.”
Author’s summary: Luka Doncic’s remarkable return powered the Lakers to a hard-fought NBA Cup win over the Grizzlies, highlighting his consistent impact against this rival.