Luka Doncic delivered an impressive performance, scoring 29 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. In addition to his scoring, the star guard contributed six rebounds and nine assists, helping the Lakers extend their winning streak to six games.
Doncic, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-way trade last month, has been in strong form, scoring at least 20 points in four of his last five outings. LeBron James played a crucial role with 17 points and nine assists, while rookie Dalton Knecht made a significant impact off the bench with 19 points.
Despite a season-high 33 points from Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers suffered their fifth loss in six games, struggling to regain momentum. The victory propelled the Lakers to second place in the Western Conference, strengthening their play-off position, while the Clippers remained in sixth, still holding onto the final guaranteed postseason spot. The game was marked by intense moments, but the Lakers maintained their composure to secure the win at Crypto.com Arena.
Elsewhere in the Western Conference, a heated encounter between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs saw three players ejected after a scuffle in the third quarter. San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie, along with Kenrich Williams and Luguentz Dort from the Thunder, were dismissed for their involvement.
Despite the disruption, Oklahoma City emerged victorious with a 146-132 win, led by Jalen Williams, who scored a career-high 41 points. The Thunder's latest triumph extended their winning streak to three games as they continue to top the standings.
In the Eastern Conference, De’Andre Hunter produced a standout performance, scoring 32 points, including a clutch three-pointer in overtime, to help the Cleveland Cavaliers secure a 133-129 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, the second-placed Boston Celtics ended their two-game losing streak with a 110-103 win over the Denver Nuggets, bouncing back to maintain their pursuit of the top seed.
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