Sluggish Lakers Fall to Short-Handed Hawks
Luka Doncic recorded 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in 27 minutes, but the Lakers fell 122–102 to a depleted Atlanta Hawks squad missing four starters.
Game Context
Before Saturday's matchup, coach JJ Redick stressed the importance of not underestimating the short-handed Hawks, who were missing five rotation players. Despite his warning, the Lakers lacked focus and energy from the start, allowing Atlanta to dominate early.
“Just not a lot to like [on Saturday night],” said Redick.
Team Performance
The loss snapped the Lakers’ five-game winning streak, leaving them at 7–3 overall and marking their first road defeat of the season after beginning 4–0 away from home.
- Luka Doncic: 22 points (4-of-10 from three), 11 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 turnovers
- Marcus Smart: 5 points, 2 assists, 2 turnovers in 21 minutes
Both Doncic and Smart declined to speak with reporters following the game.
Author’s Summary
Despite Luka Doncic’s strong stat line, the Lakers’ poor energy and execution cost them their winning streak against an injury-riddled Hawks team.