Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-114 victory over Memphis on Sunday, finishing with 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. After the game, he emphasized the importance of the team’s defensive adjustments.
“We got to get back quicker and that’s what we did,” Doncic said, reflecting on limiting Memphis to 44 points in the second half. He noted that transition defense was a key focus after the first half, when the Grizzlies scored 65 points.
Doncic also shared his reaction to finally making a couple of threes. “I was just smiling. I was happy. I made two threes in a row. I was happy. But those are good shots, you know. I got to keep working on that, just like every day in practice and be confident,” he said.
The Lakers’ fourth-quarter comeback relied heavily on the chemistry between Doncic and LeBron James. “That’s how we got to close game downs. We were down what, four, I think, in the fourth quarter. We came back, won by six,” he said. “I think Jake [LaRavia] was amazing today. DA [Ayton] was good. Props to everybody.”
Doncic also highlighted the Lakers’ success in clutch moments. “Now 12-0 in clutch games. If we play defense like we play in the second half, we can beat, I think, a lot of teams,” he said. He added that the offense was executing well, noting improved ball movement: “We’re sharing the ball. We had three turnovers in the first quarter. They took care of the ball finally. Got to do more of that.”
The Lakers overcame absences from Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves while taking control late in the fourth quarter. After tying the game at 92-92, Los Angeles took its first lead since the opening quarter and held on to secure the victory.
Los Angeles will visit New Orleans on Tuesday, while Memphis seeks to end a three-game skid against the Spurs.
