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MEMPHIS — Luka Doncic didn’t have a good time when he sank his first half-court heave throughout warmups. He didn’t gloat when coaches dutifully dropped to the court docket to pay the push-up value.
The Lakers’ famous person simply makes greatness really feel anticipated.
Doncic’s 44 factors, 12 rebounds and 6 assists led the Lakers to a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at FedEx Discussion board as he returned from a three-game absence.
The 26-year-old guard has scored 40 factors in every of his three video games this season. The one factor that’s slowed him down is accidents: a left finger sprain and a left leg contusion suffered within the second recreation of the season through which he nonetheless put up 49 factors.
Doncic scored 16 factors within the third quarter to steer the Lakers (4-2) again from a 14-point halftime deficit. Austin Reaves, who has starred in Doncic’s absence, completed with 21 factors.
After lacking the Lakers’ thrilling win in Minnesota on Wednesday, Doncic rejoined the crew Thursday in Memphis and promptly went to the gymnasium with coaches and employees members. He and guard Marcus Sensible (left quad contusion) participated in shootaround Friday and went straight into the beginning lineup.
Doncic returned like he by no means left. He was hitting step-back threes and hopping on one leg as he admired the arc on his shot. He pivoted round and thru a double crew and pale away deep within the shot clock, able to sink Memphis’ hopes along with his signature soar shot. However as an alternative of taking pictures, he dumped off a move to a wide-open Deandre Ayton, who scored on a wide-open layup.
Doncic break up a double crew with a slick behind-the-back dribble that drew oohs and ahhs from the Memphis crowd. The artful end on the rim put the Lakers up by 4. Hometown followers puzzled how the Grizzlies have been staying so shut when it felt like Doncic had the sport on a string.
Whereas Doncic was carrying the Lakers, the Grizzlies (3-3) fought again as a unit.
Memphis answered with 19 consecutive factors. Six completely different gamers scored through the run because the Grizzlies led by 14 at halftime.
Doncic had no hassle responding. He opened the third quarter with a three-pointer. Reaves adopted with one other. The Lakers flipped the halftime deficit to a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter regardless of taking part in your entire second half with out Ayton.
When Ayton returned to the sideline with 10 minutes left within the fourth quarter, trainers continued to work on his again. The crew didn’t present an instantaneous replace on the beginning middle who completed with 9 factors.
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