Luka Doncic recorded 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds, securing his fifth triple-double of the season as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Utah Jazz 143-135 on Thursday at Delta Center.
Reflecting on his performance, Doncic said, “Yeah, I think honestly I could do some more. But I think that one turnover is the best stat-wise on this stat sheet… we had seven turnovers, which is impressive for us, and we won the game in the end, that’s what matters.”
Despite Utah’s hot first-half shooting, Doncic emphasized the Lakers’ defensive adjustments. “JJ [Redick] told us we got to go back to see what was on the scouting report first three words. So that’s what we did. It was intensive on defense… our second half was very good,” he said.
Doncic highlighted the team’s composure in clutch moments, noting their 10-0 record in such situations this season. “That’s how you do it… sandbag your way to it. I feel like we can figure out a lot of things down the stretch,” he added. He also acknowledged the Lakers’ overall defensive identity. “Definitely better if it would be more consistent, but even the clutch is not bad to be second or first,” Doncic said.
On his approach in the fourth quarter, Doncic credited his teammates for providing energy and support. “I was just trying to play my game. I feel like my teammates helped me a lot. That second unit with Bron… Vando, Maxi, Jake, just those people coming off the bench with energy… everybody lifts,” he said.
Doncic downplayed the pressure of executing against traps and doubles. “If they don’t play, we don’t win this game,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort required to secure the victory. Regarding his sideline interactions, he admitted, “I don’t remember… probably say how his night is going,” referring to a lob pass to Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers overcame the absence of Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves, while LeBron James contributed 28 points and 10 assists. Jaxson Hayes scored a perfect 16 points on 7-of-7 shooting, helping Los Angeles outscore Utah 41-29 in the fourth quarter.
Utah led 78-73 at halftime behind 65% shooting but could not hold off the Lakers, who improved to 19-7. Doncic’s final assist to Hayes with 0.4 seconds left sealed the comeback in a high-paced scoring affair.
