Luka Doncic sparks comeback as Lakers beat Mavericks in Dallas

Luka Doncic’s instrumentality to Dallas was expected to beryllium astir scoring, but it was his defence that turned the tide for the Lakers successful a melodramatic 116-110 triumph implicit the Mavericks connected Saturday night. Trailing by 15 with nether 8 minutes left, Los Angeles closed the crippled connected a 29-8 run, with Doncic astatine the bosom of the turnaround.

“They targeted him,” Lakers manager JJ Redick said. “We counted aft the game, helium had six consecutive stops wherever they targeted him. Just a fantastic occupation from him. Then [he] makes the game-sealing antiaircraft play with the complaint connected [Naji] Marshall.”

The cardinal infinitesimal came with 41.8 seconds near erstwhile Doncic drew an violative foul connected Marshall, a possession aft Doncic sliced done the defence for a finger-roll layup that pushed the Lakers up by eight.

Doncic gets lukewarm Dallas welcome, responds with large game

Doncic, who finished with 33 points connected 8-for-15 shooting, 11 assists and 8 rebounds, admitted this wasn’t conscionable different game. “It’s a peculiar place,” helium said. “I mean, I’m ever going to privation to triumph nary substance what. Every crippled I privation to win, but evidently this one’s a small spot different.”

He besides thanked fans for turning retired contempt icy conditions. “That was truly special,” helium said. “I truly admit a batch of radical showing up.”

His businesslike nighttime came aft Redick had challenged him to spot his teammates much pursuing a nonaccomplishment to the Clippers. Doncic responded: “Everybody had a large game. The shot was shared. Fifteen shots up [by me], truthful [I] instrumentality JJ’s point.”

LeBron James added 11 of his 17 points successful the 4th quarter. Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart combined for 14 successful the last frame, with Smart playing done a achy digit injury. “My digit popped out,” helium said. “So I had to enactment it backmost in.”

The Lakers person present won 3 of their past 4 and await the instrumentality of Austin Reaves, who could beryllium backmost Wednesday successful Cleveland.