Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-116 win away to the Houston Rockets.
The game was the second of two played between the teams this week, the first having been played on Tuesday. The Lakers claimed victory on both occasions.
Doncic’s 40-10-9 proved to be the Rockets’ undoing, and a performance that helped the Lakers to their seventh-straight victory.
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Clutch-time clinic
“I thought he definitely put on a clinic down the stretch,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
“Whether it was in isolation, versus fires in isolations, versus the shock with (Alperen) Sengun, he just got us good offense whether for himself or for his team-mates every single time down the floor.
“We moved the basketball, so that kind of got us going and then when Luka came back in he was just fantastic.”
Doncic’s running-mate LeBron James’ influence was also evident, ending the game with 30 points, five rebounds and two assists – only missing one shot of his 14 FG attempts.
“Look, he was awesome and I think too, part of the evolution of him on this team has been, particularly in this stretch, it’s just been his patience,” Redick said regarding James’ impact on the team.
“His patience, knowing he’s going to get the ball and he’s going to have transition opportunities and he’s going to have plays called for him and he’s going to play off-ball and get a corner three…He was great.”
Settled in third
The Lakers’ current win streak has seen them climb to third place in the West, relatively settled but with the Minnesota Timberwolves hot on their heels.
“You know, when you win, everything is easier,” Doncic said on his side’s ascendency. “Winning is fun.
“So, just the way we play, I think it’s a lot of fun. And that’s what we just do, we win, have a good time.”
Contrastingly, James felt a bit uneasy prior to the game, but was happy that he could have an impactful touch on his side winning two straight games against the Rockets.
“Before the game I didn’t feel that great,” James said. “I mean, I was yawning and tired and telling myself I was literally, just like talking to myself like, ‘Come on, here we go. Let’s figure it out. Let’s get through it.’
“But I felt pretty good in the game and like I said I’m happy to make a few plays to help our team win.”
The Lakers head to Miami next to attempt to extend their win streak to eight games.
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Nicole Powell