Luka Doncic returns and Lakers get a road win at | College News
MEMPHIS — Luka Doncic didn’t rejoice when he sank his first half-court heave during warmups. He didn’t gloat when coaches dutifully dropped to the court to pay the pushup price.
The Lakers celebrity just makes greatness really feel anticipated.
Doncic’s 44 factors, 12 rebounds and six assists led the Lakers to a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at FedEx Forum as he returned from a three-game absence.
The 26-year-old guard has scored 40 factors in each of his three video games this season. The only factor that’s slowed him down is accidents: a left finger sprain and a left leg contusion suffered in the second sport of the season in which he still put up 49 factors.
Doncic scored 16 factors in the third quarter to lead the Lakers (4-2) back from a 16-point halftime deficit. Austin Reaves, who has starred in Doncic’s absence, completed with 20 factors.
After lacking the Lakers’ thrilling win in Minnesota on Wednesday, Doncic rejoined the crew Thursday in Memphis and promptly went to the fitness center with coaches and workers members. He and guard Marcus Smart (left quad contusion) participated in shoot-around Friday and went straight into the beginning lineup.
Doncic returned like he never left. He was hitting step-back threes and hopping on one leg as he admired the arc on his shot. He pivoted around and through a double crew and pale away deep in the shot clock, prepared to sink Memphis’ hopes with his signature soar shot. But instead of capturing, he dumped off a go to a wide-open Deandre Ayton, who scored on a wide-open layup.
Doncic break up a double crew with a slick behind-the-back dribble that drew oohs and ahhs from the Memphis crowd. The artful end at the rim put the Lakers up by 4. Hometown followers puzzled how the Grizzlies had been staying so close when it felt like Doncic had the sport on a string.
While Doncic was carrying the Lakers, the Grizzlies (3-3) fought back as a unit.
Memphis answered with 19 consecutive factors. Six different gamers scored during the run as the Grizzlies led by 16 at halftime.
Doncic had no bother responding. He opened the third quarter with a three-pointer. Reaves adopted with another. The Lakers flipped the halftime deficit to a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter despite taking part in the complete second half without Ayton.
When Ayton returned to the sideline with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, trainers continued to work on his back. The crew didn’t present an instant update on the beginning middle who completed with 12 factors, three rebounds and 4 assists.
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