Luka Doncic recorded 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 120-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
Speaking after the game, Doncic highlighted the collective effort on defense, saying, “It was very encouraging and very special, you know, to play this game. I think everybody that stepped on the court did an amazing job. Everybody fought till the end and, you know, that’s how we got this win.”
On the team’s defensive cohesion, the star guard added, “I think it was collective. Obviously, Smart is our leader in that he did a great job. I think DA [Deandre Ayton] today was amazing for us and, you know, but outside that, I think we collectively did all, and obviously they pushed us too, and I think we did an amazing job today.”
With the Lakers missing other regular centers, Doncic praised Ayton’s performance: “Yeah, it’s very big of him. I think he was very locked in today. Like I said, I think he was huge for us today. So we need to encourage him to keep doing like that, and, you know, when he plays like that it helps us win.”
Doncic also reflected on containing Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, noting, “Obviously starts with Smart, you know, he was starting on him. But for guys like that, you need the whole team, you know, to stop him. It’s not just one guy. So I think we did a great job today.”
On his synergy with Reaves, who also scored 31 points, Doncic emphasized, “I think he’s just a great player. He’s very talented defensively. He gets to his spots, you know, he tricks the defense, and that’s why he’s a great player.”
Discussing the team’s overall defensive growth, Doncic said, “Probably just effort and communication. I think communication is very important on the defensive end and I think we talking to each other a lot. That helps everybody get to their spots on defensive end.”
The Slovenian also commented on Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game, reflecting on his own scoring feats: “Oh, that was pretty special. 83 is not bad. Very special. Congratulations to him. For me, I don’t know, maybe it can happen, maybe not.”
Finally, Doncic addressed the sense of momentum and trust in the team, adding, “I think we’re playing some of our best basketball games in the season and, like I said before, this starts with our defense. I think everybody’s putting in the effort, and that’s not easy to do, you know, and I think we’re doing it now.”
Doncic’s leadership and the Lakers’ renewed defensive intensity helped secure a third straight win over the Timberwolves, improving Los Angeles to 40-25 and moving them even in the Western Conference standings.
