Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic credited team purpose and energy for the fourth-quarter surge in Tuesday’s 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at crypto.com Arena.
“Just our purpose. Obviously they went on a run, but there was a lot of time left… we went on a 12-0 run. It was great,” Doncic said, reflecting on the decisive stretch.
He praised defensive contributions from teammates: “Both of them, even Jaxson was guarding Zion, which is not easy. So, I think he had some big plays for us, and obviously Smart, he’s been the key to our wins almost every time.”
Discussing the team’s poise, Doncic added, “Very big. I think we responded in a big way. Sometimes you got to win when playing bad. That’s what good teams do. That’s who we are today.”
On Marcus Smart’s impact, he noted, “I kind of knew who he was every time I play against him. But also his leadership, on the bench and on the game, is very big for us. He helps everybody.”
Doncic highlighted improving chemistry with LeBron James and Austin Reaves: “We’ve won three in a row. Playing together since the break, the chemistry is going to keep building every day and every game you play.”
Looking ahead to a tough stretch, he said, “We play six of eight against teams above us in the standings, five of those in the West… you just have to approach those games with the same mentality. Every team has great players. We need to go game by game first of all, and then just try to win all those games.”
Tuesday’s victory saw Doncic lead the Lakers with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while James added 21 points and seven rebounds. The team overcame 21 turnovers and an eight-point deficit with just over seven minutes remaining, responding with 14 straight points and finishing on a 24-7 run.
Austin Reaves sparked the rally after a slow start, hitting a go-ahead 3-pointer with 5:04 remaining. Marcus Smart contributed 10 points, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks, connecting with Doncic from deep in the final minutes to seal the comeback.
Deandre Ayton added 13 points and eight rebounds, helping Los Angeles dominate the boards 48-41, while the team totaled 12 blocks and 11 offensive rebounds. Despite shooting 47% from the field and 30% from three, the Lakers capitalized on defensive stops during the decisive stretch to secure the win.
