Luka Doncic Shows Who’s Boss in L.A. Derby

Game recap

It was one of just three NBA games on the night, and the Los Angeles showdown between the Lakers and Clippers turned into a high-scoring affair. The opening quarter was tight — the Clippers edged out a one-point lead early, while one player put up an incredible 20 points to keep the Lakers within striking distance.

The second quarter swung in the Lakers’ favor. Austin Reaves and LeBron James gave the offense a lift, and Los Angeles went into halftime up by three. Early in the third the Lakers even stretched their lead into double digits, but the Clippers answered with an 11–0 run to pull back within a point.

By the end of the third quarter the Lakers had regained control at 98–93. Late in the period and into the fourth they put together a decisive 17–4 run that pushed the margin to 15 and essentially sealed the outcome. Los Angeles kept building on that lead in the closing minutes and closed the night with a 135–118 victory.

Standouts and final numbers

The night featured several big individual performances. The headliner finished with 43 points, 9 rebounds and 13 assists. Austin Reaves chipped in 31 points and 9 rebounds, and LeBron finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

On the other side, James Harden led the Clippers with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists, while Kawhi Leonard returned to action and added 19 points and 5 rebounds.

With the win the Lakers improved to 12–4 on the season, while the Clippers sit at 5–12.