NBA57 min ago2 minute read

Luka Doncic Drops 52 Points as Lakers Beat Jazz in Salt Lake City

Luka Doncic scored 52 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

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Doncic Puts On Big Display

Luka Doncic put on a massive scoring performance on Sunday in Salt Lake City. He poured in 52 points and hit eight 3 pointers to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz. It was the first 50 point game of the NBA season.

Doncic took over late in the fourth quarter. He scored back to back 3 pointers to end a 14-5 run, giving Los Angeles a 127-121 lead with 1:42 remaining. He finished the game with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Austin Reaves also came through with 29 points for the Lakers. Together, Doncic and Reaves went 21 of 24 from the free throw line.

Jazz Collapse After Early Lead

The Jazz got off to a fast start and built an 18 point lead in the second quarter. However, they could not hold onto it. Doncic hit a stepback 3 pointer with 4.1 seconds left in the first half to put the Lakers ahead 74-71.

Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 28 points in the loss. Keyonte George nearly had a triple double with 24 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 20 points, while Ace Bailey added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Walker Kessler faced his former team for the first time since moving to Los Angeles in a July sign and trade deal. He finished with two points and seven rebounds.

Lakers Stay Undefeated

The Lakers improved to 3-0 on the season with the victory. They have now won eight of their last nine games against the Jazz.

Los Angeles will return home for their next game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

What it means for the next game

Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz (NBA, Tue, 27 Oct): Utah Jazz win 49%, Memphis Grizzlies win 51%; projected score Utah Jazz 124, Memphis Grizzlies 123. Our safest pick: Grizzlies +9.5.

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Wed, 28 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 57%, Portland Trail Blazers win 43%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 115, Portland Trail Blazers 111. Our safest pick: Lakers +4.5.