Doncic Dominates With 44 Points in NBA Cup Comeback
Luka Doncic came back in style, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The All-Star guard scored 44 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and handed out six assists despite missing three games because of an injury.
The Lakers’ triumph was a great way to start their NBA Cup campaign. Doncic’s performance showed once again how important he is to the squad. He scored at least twenty-five points in eleven straight games versus Memphis.
Lakers Win Even Though LeBron James Is Still Out
Even though they were missing experienced star LeBron James, who is rehabilitating from right sciatica, Los Angeles was able to win. Doncic’s comeback filled the gap in leadership as he ran the Lakers’ attack with calmness and accuracy the whole game.
Austin Reaves scored 21 points, while Jake LaRavia scored 13 points in important times. The team’s hard work showed how strong and deep it was, which made people more sure that the Lakers could contend even without LeBron.
Memphis Fails to Capitalize on Early Double-Digit Advantage
The Grizzlies scored forty-two points in the second quarter and led by fourteen points at halftime. Their offense really took off with a late twenty-seven to four run that shocked Los Angeles before the break.
After halftime, though, the tide changed. The Lakers’ defense got better, and Doncic started a furious comeback. Memphis had a hard time keeping their flow when the pressure was on, and in the end, they lost control late in the fourth quarter.
Recommended Article: 76ers Extend Jared McCain’s Contract Through 2026–27 Season
Key Grizzlies Players Struggle as Lakers Regain Control
Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells each scored sixteen points for Memphis, which was a balanced scoring effort. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored fifteen points, while star guard Ja Morant had a rough night, making only three of fourteen shots and scoring only eight points.
The Grizzlies’ offense wasn’t working well at the end of the game, which let Los Angeles take advantage of mismatches and get back into the game. Memphis couldn’t stop Doncic’s scorching shooting or the Lakers’ meticulous ball movement, even though they traded leads several times.
Doncic’s Third-Quarter Surge Turns Momentum for Los Angeles
In the third quarter, Doncic scored sixteen points to bring Memphis’ lead down to single digits. This was the turning point. His ability to make shots, see the floor, and run the offense brought the Lakers’ rhythm and defensive tenacity back to life.
By the end of the fourth quarter, both teams had taken the lead fourteen times, making the game quite tight. Los Angeles finished well, with Doncic setting the pace. They were able to guard the paint and move the ball quickly.
Lakers Show Depth and Poise in High-Pressure Moments
The Lakers‘ bench players were very important on key possessions, especially when Doncic was getting double-teamed by Memphis defenders. Reaves always made timely shots, and the bench added solidity and intensity on defense.
Darvin Ham, the head coach, lauded the team’s calmness and ability to stay focused even when things became tough at the start. The way the Lakers played under pressure showed that they can adjust and that they work well together as a unit.
Injury Updates and Team Outlook Moving Forward
Los Angeles is glad to have Doncic back after he hurt his left finger and bruised his lower thigh. His performance showed no signs of residual effects, which gives hope that he can keep up the good work in future NBA Cup games.
LeBron James is still day-to-day, and the coaching staff is stressing that he needs to get better before he comes back. With Doncic in command, the Lakers seem like they will be able to stay competitive while their key players recuperate.
Momentum-Building Win Sets Tone for Lakers’ Season
The win over Memphis is both a message and a lift for the Lakers’ locker room. It shows how deep, tough, and able to produce under duress they are against tough teams from the Western Conference.
With Doncic playing well and his teammates stepping up, Los Angeles is now looking forward to developing consistency in the NBA Cup. The exciting win on Friday not only had fans excited, but it also showed that the Lakers are serious competitors this season.
