Luka Doncic credited the Los Angeles Lakers’ home-court advantage and defensive effort after leading the team to a 120-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.
“I mean, it’s always easier to play at home,” Doncic said postgame, per Ryan Ward. “You got the crowd, you get home here, so it’s kind of easier to play at home, so that’s what I think.”
The Lakers (43-25) extended their home winning streak to nine games, maintaining their grip on third place in the Western Conference. Doncic finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in just three quarters, setting the tone with a dominant first period.
Denver (44-26) played without Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) for the second consecutive game. Aaron Gordon stepped up with 26 points and 11 rebounds, but the Nuggets struggled defensively as Los Angeles shot 50.6% from the field and knocked down 16 three-pointers.
Doncic acknowledged that his early scoring forced Denver’s defense to adjust, creating openings for his teammates. “It’s not a strategy. It’s just what the defense gives you,” he explained. “In the first [quarter], they’ll just switch and let me go one-on-one, so I know at some point, they’re going to double.”
The Lakers built a commanding 28-point lead by the third quarter, allowing Doncic to rest in the final period. Austin Reaves added 22 points and eight assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Dalton Knecht all contributed double-digit scoring.
Doncic also spoke about his transition to Los Angeles after spending nearly seven seasons in Dallas. “Just feels like getting into [a] new home,” he said. “Dallas was my home for almost seven years… So coming here, just trying to build a new home, and I’m getting more and more comfortable.”
He also praised the team’s defensive execution, crediting their communication and effort. “I think everybody’s connected on the defensive end,” he said. “Just, there’s a lot of talk and a lot of communication. And then, on the effort side, everybody’s doing a lot.”
“I mean, you just feel the energy in the crowd. Some crazy shots that I can hit. So, when I hit one of those, I know the crowd goes crazy and just gives energy. I don’t think just for me, so just, and for the whole team,” Doncic said about Los Angeles crowd.
With the playoffs approaching, the Lakers remain focused on maintaining their strong form as they push for home-court advantage in the first round.
