Luka Doncic Leads Lakers to Victory Over Spurs
Luka Doncic scored 35 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' narrow 118–116 win against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at home on Wednesday. Doncic delivered a remarkable all-around performance with 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks, despite shooting only 33.3 percent from the field. This win improved the Lakers' record to 7-2.
Historic Season Start and Team Contributions
Doncic's strong game continued his historic start this season, carrying the Lakers' offense in the absence of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Fans praised his impactful play on both ends of the court, especially his crucial late-game three-pointer.
- Deandre Ayton contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds.
- Marcus Smart added 17 points.
- Bronny James recorded two points and one rebound in five minutes of play.
Spurs’ Team Performance
Seven Spurs players reached double figures, including all five starters. Wembanyama finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. The Spurs’ record dropped to 5-2 after the close loss.
Game Highlights
The Lakers held a slim 60–59 halftime lead with Doncic scoring 22 points in the first half, while Wembanyama posted seven points for San Antonio. The Spurs dominated the third quarter by scoring 37 points and took a 96–88 lead going into the fourth quarter.
“Doncic hit a 25-foot step-back three-pointer to give the Lakers a 113–112 lead with just over 2:30 remaining.”
In the final moments, Marcus Smart's turnover on an inbound play with just over a second remaining gave the Spurs one last chance but they fell short.
Summary
Luka Doncic’s versatile and clutch performance propelled the Lakers to a hard-fought victory over the Spurs, showcasing his role as the team’s offensive leader in a critical game.