By Harshit
LOS ANGELES, NOV. 26 — 1:30 AM EDT
Luka Doncic has delivered explosive scoring nights before, but his first-half outburst at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday was remarkable even by his lofty standards. The Los Angeles Lakers star lit up the Los Angeles Clippers with one of the most dominant three-quarter performances of the NBA season, showcasing deep shooting, physical drives, and elite playmaking in a tense in-city rivalry matchup.
The night began with Doncic entering the game as the league’s leading scorer at 34.5 points per game. It took only minutes for him to show why.
Luka’s Opening Burst Sets the Tone
The first quarter belonged entirely to Doncic. He scored 24 points in the opening 12 minutes, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 5-of-8 from three. The Clippers tried multiple coverages—drop, switching, doubling—but none made a difference.
Despite his historic quarter, the Lakers still trailed 38-37 at the break, highlighting how efficient the Clippers’ offense also was early on and how little defensive resistance existed on either side.
But Doncic’s shot-making bordered on unreal: step-backs, off-balance jumpers, transition threes, and bully-ball finishes. The scoring barrage was reminiscent of his legendary nights in Dallas, including his 73-point masterpiece in January 2024.
A Brief Slowdown, but Impact Everywhere
The second quarter saw a sharp drop in Doncic’s shot attempts — but not due to defensive pressure. He spent the first 4:20 of the period on the bench, which naturally cooled his rhythm. When he returned, he took only three shots, making one of them while drawing a foul for a three-point play with 6:16 left.
Even without the same shot volume, he dictated tempo, drawing extra defenders and opening up passing lanes for teammates. His control over the offense helped the Lakers regain the lead heading into halftime, 69-66.
By halftime, Doncic had already scored 32 points, keeping him well ahead of his league-leading scoring average.
Third Quarter: Versatility on Display
Doncic added seven more points in the third quarter, taking him to 39 points through three quarters. The scoring slowed, but his all-around game flourished. He tallied five third-quarter assists, finding cutters, shooters, and bigs in stride.
He also collected rebounds, pushed the ball in transition, and communicated defensive assignments loudly — a sign of his command even when resting between possessions.
Through three quarters, his full stat line read:
- Points: 39
- Field Goals: 14-for-26
- Three-Pointers: 7-for-12
- Free Throws: 4-for-6
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 11
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 3
- Fouls: 2
- Minutes: 32
This elite production put him within striking distance of his single-game Lakers high of 49 points, scored against the Minnesota Timberwolves last month.
A Star Already Firmly in MVP Conversation
Doncic’s performance reinforced his place at the center of the early-season MVP race. The Lakers’ offense is among the most efficient in the league when he’s on the floor, and Tuesday’s performance only strengthened that trend. His command of pace, scoring gravity, and expanded defensive involvement have redefined his role in Los Angeles.
His 39 points across three quarters reflect not just his scoring talent but his ability to adapt. When the Clippers added pressure, he countered with playmaking. When they tried switching smaller defenders onto him, he punished them with strength. When they switched length onto him, he shot over the top.
Clippers Scramble but Can’t Slow Him Down
The Clippers rotated Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and a host of switching defenders on Doncic, but none found consistent success. Switching forced help rotations, which opened pockets of space inside. Aggressive traps left shooters unmarked. Drop coverage was futile from the opening tip.
The Clippers’ offensive successes kept them competitive, but without answers for Doncic, the Lakers maintained narrow control of the game.
Why This Game Matters Moving Forward
The Lakers continue to navigate injuries while integrating LeBron James back into the lineup. Doncic’s dominance provides stability as rotations shift and chemistry continues developing. His ability to shoulder heavy scoring loads while facilitating for others gives L.A. a roadmap for surviving long stretches without full roster health.
For the Clippers, the loss underscores recurring defensive breakdowns and inconsistency in handling elite scorers — a trend that has cost them several marquee matchups this season.