Copyright yardbarker
With tonight’s performance, Doncic has marked back-to-back 40+ point games to start the season. His playmaking and scoring kept the Lakers in the game early as he knocked down multiple threes in the first quarter, and helped ward off any chance of a Timberwolves comeback late in the match. Doncic’s leadership in leading the team with James out showcases that he can stabilize the team and have them execute at a high-level. LeBron’s absence was felt, but the Lakers demonstrated very impressive efficiency and depth. LA show above 59% from the floor, moved the ball, and played hard on defense. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura stepped up alongside Doncic, recording 25 and 23 points respectively, and reinforced the strong team culture and collaboration for this squad, even when star players are sitting. After the match, Lakers head coach JJ Redick commended Doncic. He pointed at Doncic’s rebounding, saying, “You get 11 rebounds out of your point guard, is awesome. Just a complete game from him… He managed the game really well…. we had to have him scoring early.” This must have been a huge turn for Redick, who called out the team just a few days ago for not being able to play well in the second half. Luka Doncic Breaks Records While Lakers Rediscover Defensive Edge Luka Doncic’s masterclass tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves made him the first player in Lakers history and just the fourth player behind Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Anthony Davis to score back-to-back 40 point games to open a season. Doncic now also holds the record for the most points in Lakers history in the first two games with 91 points, surpassing the previous record set by franchise legend Jerry West back in the 1969-70 season. He also tied Kobe Bryant and Kyle Kuzma for most points in a first quarter in Lakers history since the 1996-97 season with 23 points.
