Luka Dončić made a stunning return to the court after being out with an injury, leading the Lakers to a 117-112 victory over the Grizzlies. He put on an incredible scoring display, finishing with 44 points in the team’s first Emirates NBA Cup game of the season.
Dončić’s performance wasn’t just about the high score; it was about his immediate impact. By scoring 40 or more points for the third consecutive game he has played this season, he matched a historic record set by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. His return immediately boosted the Lakers’ offense and helped secure a crucial win.
📜 A Historic Start to the Season
This performance continues an amazing scoring streak for Dončić. He scored 43 points in the season opener and followed it up with 49 in his second game. After missing the next three games with a left finger sprain and a lower leg bruise, he picked up right where he left off. The only other player in NBA history to score 40+ points in his first three games of a season was Wilt Chamberlain, who did it twice.
💪 Dominant from Start to Finish
Dončić made his presence felt from the very beginning, scoring 19 points in the first quarter to give the Lakers a strong start. When the Grizzlies took the lead later in the game, he responded by adding another 16 points in the third quarter. He then scored nine points in the final quarter to help the Lakers pull away and seal the victory, showing he can deliver in important moments.
🙌 Praise from Coach and Teammates
After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Dončić’s ability to read the game, saying, “He just continues to get where he wants to go, and he takes what the defense gives him.” Teammate Austin Reaves, who added 21 points, also highlighted his importance. “Him scoring 40 is going to set us up good,” Reaves said, adding that Dončić’s scoring helps the team succeed even when other players are having a tough shooting night.
