Luka Doncic scores 52 points to power Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY — Luka Doncic raised three fingers toward the Utah crowd. Fans have been left counting more than just his points.

Doncic hit three clutch three-pointers late in the fourth quarter and took a momentum-swinging charge to lead the Lakers to a nail-biting 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday at Delta Center. Doncic led the Lakers (3-0) with 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the group fought back from an 18-point second-quarter deficit.

Guard Austin Reaves hit a dagger three with 34 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a seven-point lead. As Doncic salted the sport away from the free-throw line, he was serenaded with chants of “MVP!” Reaves completed with 29 points.

“Getting MVP chants in someone else’s arena is crazy,” middle Walker Kessler said. “But, you know, obviously deserving.”

Kessler is aware of this enviornment effectively. It’s where he spent the first 4 years of his profession. But the middle was quiet in his return to Salt Lake City. After he joined the Lakers in a huge sign-and-trade deal that price the Lakers two first-round picks and two first-round decide swaps and a four-year, $130-million contract, Kessler was held to just two points on one-of-two taking pictures with seven rebounds.

Kessler obtained a combined reception from the gang, which included a large quantity of followers in Lakers colours. The Jazz didn’t play a spotlight reel during the sport to welcome the middle back, as many groups often do for a participant who returns on an opposing group.

Kessler had averaged 24 points and 8.5 rebounds per recreation during the Lakers’ first two video games and shot a blazing 84.6% from the sphere while feasting off lob passes from Doncic and Reaves.

When requested whether or not Kessler’s return would spark additional motivation for the Jazz, Utah coach Will Hardy dispelled any recommendations of revenge.

“In no way is tonight about Walker,” Hardy said. “Like it’s not a, ‘Oh wow Walker’s here so we better play harder.’ We’re gonna demand the same standard that we did in our last game. Some of the story lines I don’t quite understand. Like we have a lot of love for Walker. He’s somebody that we have a great relationship with and a lot of shared experience.”

Kessler admitted he “let my emotions get the best of me” in his return Utah, which he described as “a special place.”

“Kind of got too amped and then just couldn’t find the ball,” Kessler said. “Couldn’t find the rhythm, just kind of was off a couple fouls that were tough, a couple blocks I usually [make]. It’s one of those nights. But fortunately basketball is not a one-man sport.”

The Lakers confirmed they’ve one of the best duos in the league.

Reaves was held scoreless during the first quarter, but awoke for 15 points in the second. The undrafted guard has so far lived up to the large contract extension he signed in June, averaging 26.7 points per recreation on 63.9% taking pictures with 6.2 assists per recreation.

“AR so far in these three games has just been Mr. Consistency,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.

Reaves began the comeback. Doncic accomplished it. In less than 30 seconds, Doncic watched a fadeaway jumper circle the rim before dropping through for a three-point play, then ripped the ball out of Ace Bailey’s arms for a steal before hitting a three at the buzzer to put the Lakers up by three at halftime.

The Slovenian celebrity was coming off an admittedly “terrible” recreation in which he had 23 points, seven assists and 11 turnovers in the Lakers’ home win over the Clippers. Redick said Doncic is still discovering his rhythm after not enjoying with the Slovenian national group over the summer season as he sometimes does.

Doncic made just two of his first eight three-point makes an attempt Sunday. He regarded proper back in rhythm when he splashed the tying three with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter and pushed his palms toward the ground to quiet the gang.

The last shot before halftime confirmed Redick that Doncic has his groove back.

“When he’s in the flow state, he gets into, like, showman mode,” Redick said. “He’s on stage performing … it’s always really fun to watch.”

Doncic gave the pleasant street crowd his best strikes. Lying on his back watching one his pictures roll through the online, he shimmied his shoulders before teammates pulled him to his ft. When he splashed the tying three with 4:06 remaining in the fourth, he wagged his finger. On the next possession, he set free a scream when he stepped in entrance of Keyonte George to take a charge. After placing the Lakers up by six with 1:40 remaining with one of his signature step-back threes, Doncic held three up three fingers to the gang.

Doncic went almost seven months without listening to that roar. Not enjoying with the national group left him out of competitors for one of the longest stretches of his profession. He doesn’t suppose he’s back to full type yet.

“I’m still getting there honestly,” Doncic said. “This is the first time I didn’t play basketball in six or seven months, which is a long time. So I’m not used to it.”

He still regarded proper at home listening to “MVP” chants from a street crowd.