Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic addressed the team’s 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, highlighting the need for quick recovery. “We just got to think that we have another opportunity… we get a game in two days. So we got to respond to that,” he said.
Doncic pointed to defensive lapses as a key factor in the defeat. “They shot 53%, obviously they make a lot… we were physical for a couple minutes, but then just some stretches of not being physical and they just was running around,” he explained.
Reflecting on the third-quarter swing, Doncic added, “Third quarter we started amazing… but they came out that end of third quarter, they were shooting everything and making everything. So it’s definitely a disappointing loss.”
The star guard acknowledged the challenge of maintaining consistent physicality. “Just got to do it more,” he said, underscoring the ongoing focus on defense throughout the season.
Doncic also addressed a minor injury, confirming, “It’s a little bit painful, but I’ll be fine,” following a knee impact during the game.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of game-by-game focus. “Just go game by game, trying to win every game… nothing’s over. Just got to keep bringing the mindset of trying to win every game,” he said, noting the need to maintain perspective during the final stretch of the season.
Speaking on late-game moments, Doncic reflected on his mentality when attempting to take over. “Just trying to win the game… we hit some big shots and then we had an amazing look at the end. I’ll take that look any time, but it didn’t go in,” he said.
Doncic finished with 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, leading the Lakers’ offense despite the loss. LeBron James contributed 15 points and six boards, but Los Angeles could not overcome a late-game surge from the Suns, including Grayson Allen’s 28 points and Collin Gillespie’s four fourth-quarter 3-pointers.
The Lakers fell to 34-24 with the defeat and will aim to rebound against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
