Luka Doncic Dominates Clippers in Lakers NBA Cup Win/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring 43 points as the Lakers defeated the Clippers 135-118 in a fiery NBA Cup matchup. Doncic added 13 assists and 9 rebounds, coming just shy of a triple-double. His history of torching the Clippers continued as LA clinched Group B.
Luka Doncic Clippers Domination Quick Looks
- Luka Doncic scores 43 points vs. Clippers
- Adds 13 assists and 9 rebounds for Lakers
- Lakers win 135-118 in NBA Cup group match
- Doncic hits 7-of-12 three-pointers, 14-of-28 overall
- Scored 24 in first quarter alone
- Continues personal dominance over Clippers in career stats
- Tied Kobe and Shaq for five 40-point double-doubles before age 27
- Lakers move to 3-0 in NBA Cup Group B
- Austin Reaves scores 31, LeBron adds 25
- Doncic’s fiery exchange with Kris Dunn sparks late-game tension
Deep Look: Luka Doncic Leads Lakers Past Clippers With 43 in NBA Cup Thriller
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic showed once again why he’s the Clippers’ worst nightmare — and the Lakers’ biggest weapon.
The superstar guard dropped 43 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds in a commanding 135-118 win over the Clippers Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, as the Lakers clinched Group B of the NBA In-Season Tournament with a perfect 3-0 record.
Doncic was electric from the start, exploding for 24 first-quarter points, nailing five of his first eight three-pointers, many of them directly in front of the Clippers bench. After each shot, Doncic stared them down, oozing confidence and feeding off the inter-city rivalry’s energy.
“We played a great game,” Doncic said postgame. “They were hitting shots early, but we stayed focused and made our runs.”
Career-Long Clippers Killer
Doncic has historically torched the Clippers, and Tuesday was no exception.
Prior to this matchup, the 21-year-old guard averaged 32.2 points per game against the Clippers — his highest average against any Western Conference team. He also averaged 7.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 20 career games against them, shooting 48% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.
“I don’t know,” Doncic said when asked why he thrives against them. “We’ve seen them a lot in the playoffs. Maybe I like it.”
The Slovenian phenom’s 43-point performance marked his 39th career 40-point double-double, passing Anthony Davis on the active player list and tying Magic Johnson for the sixth-most such games in Lakers history.
Additionally, Doncic now joins Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal with five 40-point double-doubles as a Laker before turning 27 — the most since the NBA-ABA merger.
Late-Game Tensions Flare
As the game wore on, so did the heat on the court.
In the fourth quarter, Kris Dunn shoved Doncic in the back during a break in play, leading to an intense moment between the two. Dunn then forcefully placed the ball into Doncic’s chest, prompting Jaxson Hayes to step in and defend his teammate.
The result: Dunn received two technicals and was ejected, Hayes picked up a tech, and Doncic calmly hit the resulting free throw with 3:33 left on the clock.
“I appreciate it,” Doncic said of Hayes’ support. “That says a lot about him and this team. Everyone’s got each other’s back.”
Supporting Cast Delivers
With Deandre Ayton out due to a right knee contusion, Jaxson Hayes started in his place and brought physicality in the paint.
Austin Reaves added 31 points, while LeBron James scored 25, helping keep the Clippers at bay. The Lakers now shift their attention to their final group play matchup on Friday — a marquee game against the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic’s former team.
Meanwhile, the Clippers will finish group play against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
Lakers coach JJ Redick offered positive news about Ayton, saying the big man underwent an MRI that showed only swelling and a minor bruise. “It’s not long-term,” Redick said. “We hope he’s back before week’s end.”
The Lakers also made a minor roster adjustment: Forward Drew Timme was signed to a two-way contract, replacing Christian Koloko, who was waived. Timme had been dominating in the G League for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Game Stats Snapshot
| Player | PTS | AST | REB | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 43 | 13 | 9 | 7-12 |
| Austin Reaves | 31 | 4 | 5 | 3-6 |
| LeBron James | 25 | 6 | 7 | 2-4 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 8 | 2 | 10 | 0-1 |
What’s Next in the NBA Cup
- Lakers (3-0) are in prime position to advance in the NBA In-Season Tournament, with momentum firmly on their side.
- Next up: Lakers vs. Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
- Clippers vs. Grizzlies at Intuit Dome will conclude group play for both teams.
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