Luka Doncics 42-point performance carries Lakers

The conflict between Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo obtained top billing Monday night time at Crypto.com Arena.

Doncic leads the league in scoring with 37.7 factors per sport for the Lakers, and Antetokounmpo is fifth at 28.2 for the Miami Heat.

But this matchup didn’t fairly live up to the hype after Doncic continued his early season dominance in the Lakers’ 138-117 win.

Doncic was masterful, producing 42 factors, 13 assists and seven rebounds. He was 14 for 24 from the sphere and six for 15 from three-point vary.

“Feels good. Like I said, obviously when we win, it feels way better,” Doncic said. “And that’s the only important stuff. But obviously it feels good. You know, when you win by [21] against a team like Miami, it’s really awesome, especially on a back-to-back.”

Antetokounmpo completed with 30 factors, 12 rebounds and seven assists, but he also had seven turnovers as he battled tight defensive coverage.

“I think we did OK. We did good enough to get the win,” said Ziaire Williams, who performed after lacking three video games because of soreness in his left foot. “Wasn’t perfect. He’s a freak of nature, man. It takes three, four guys loading up to him. One-on-one, he’ll go through anybody in this league, and that’s just the truth.”

Doncic was better, but he had more help. Austin Reaves scored 27 factors on 10-for-15 taking pictures and Walker Kessler completed with 15 factors and 15 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double.

“Yeah, he’s a big piece for us,” Doncic said about Kessler. “I think when he plays good, he gives us a way better chance to win. So, he just needs to keep going like this. Like we told him, we have his back. … But what he’s been doing, it’s helping us win.”

The Lakers (6-2) shot 57%, including 44% (19 for 43) from three-point vary. They also notched 39 assists on 51 profitable pictures.

“The 39 assists, that’s the most assists we’ve had since I’ve been the [coach],” JJ Redick said. “So, it’s a really good offense that we’re playing right now. And a lot of that, of course, is Doncic and what he’s able to do and bend the defense. And his shot-making creates a lot of problems, and then he can make every pass.”

Lakers guard Austin Reaves shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell in the first half.

Doncic has been on a scoring tear for the Lakers.

In the third quarter, Doncic missed a three-pointer, but Jake LaRavia hustled to accumulate the rebound. He handed the ball to Doncic, who then made a three to give the Lakers a 93-74 lead. The play pressured the Heat (2-5) to call a timeout as Doncic pointed at LaRavia in appreciation.

Doncic began strong like typical, with 16 factors, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in the first quarter as the Lakers took a 37-30 lead. Doncic, who was called for a technical foul late in the first half — his second of the season — had 24 factors by halftime.

In his earlier 4 video games, Doncic had scored 45, 37, 41 and 52 factors.

“Like the defensive mindset in me is always like, ‘Why are they not blitzing him or why are they not doubling? Or why are they just letting him just walk to his spot and just do whatever he wants out there?’ But they’re trying,” Williams said about defensive methods Doncic faces. “He just is that good and he just makes it look that easy.

“He’s unbelievable, man. Even a better person. And yeah, I’m happy to be on his side for sure.”