Luka Doncic’s Struggles Cost Lakers Crucial Playoff Game

Luka Dončić’s efficiency on Thursday evening was removed from the “Luka Magic” followers have come to anticipate, because the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Golden State Warriors 123-116 in a vital Western Convention showdown. Dončić, who completed with 19 factors, eight rebounds, and 7 assists, struggled all through the sport, capturing simply 6-for-17 from the sphere and 0-for-6 from past the arc. His poor capturing was significantly notable, as he snapped a 114-game streak of constructing at the least one 3-pointer, courting again practically two years.

“I feel the Warriors performed good protection, however we didn’t play with sufficient belief,” Dončić admitted after the sport. “That efficiency from me was unacceptable. After I play like that, it makes it more durable for the crew to win.” Regardless of his offensive struggles, Dončić made 7-of-7 free throws and tried to contribute in different methods, however his poor capturing left the Lakers trailing behind.

The Lakers, who had been combating to carry onto their place within the high 4 of the West, have been outplayed within the first half, capturing simply 35.7% and trailing by 13 factors at halftime. LeBron James (33 factors) and Austin Reaves (31 factors) stored the Lakers aggressive within the second half, however they have been unable to finish a comeback. “We simply didn’t execute the way in which we should always have,” Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned, including that the crew’s spacing and alignment have been off early on.

Regardless of the loss, Dončić’s struggles have been a regarding pattern for the Lakers, particularly with the playoffs approaching. His latest capturing woes—significantly from 3-point vary, the place he’s gone simply 3-for-22 over the past three video games—are elevating questions on his consistency. “It’s at all times irritating when you possibly can’t assist your crew,” Dončić mentioned. “However it’s not at all times about scoring. You may assist in different methods.”

With six video games left within the common season, the Lakers (46-30) sit within the No. 4 spot within the West however face a difficult schedule, together with matchups with playoff-caliber groups just like the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. For the Lakers to safe a powerful playoff place, they’ll want a a lot sharper efficiency from their star guard.

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