By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Storming back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, the Los Angeles Lakers took down the Memphis Grizzlies, 120-114, in crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
Paving the way for the comeback and stretching to a triple for a nine-point lead with just over two minutes on the clock, Luka Doncic stood out once more with a game-high 36 points on 10/20 from the field to go with nine rebounds, eight assists, and one block over 38:53.
“I was just smiling. I was happy. I made two threes in a row,” the 26-year-old Slovenian combo guard talked about his reaction after clutch makes.
“I think they got a lot of transition points in the first half. That’s what we talked about in the halftime. We had to get back quicker, and that’s what we did,” he added in a postgame interview.
“If we play defense like we played in the second half, we can beat, I think, a lot of teams,” continued Doncic. “We had to lock in the second half. But the offense is rolling. We’re sharing the ball. We had three turnovers in the first quarter, but took care of the ball, finally, so we got to do more of that.”
Packing a second consecutive home win over the Grizzlies, the Lakers improved to 22-11 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“Execution down the stretch. We need to find those stops. But there are some very positive things. For example, today, 20 field goals more than the Lakers. We won the possession game in both games. That’s a great start. We got to find a way to create better shots, knock them down, and on the other end, have a little bit better contest,” said Finnish head coach Tuomas Iisalo in a postgame press conference, sharing required adjustments after two straight losses in Los Angeles.
Spanish Santi Aldama, the lone European option for 43-year-old Iisalo, was initially questionable due to right ankle soreness, but was eventually cleared and lasted 30:44, posting a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double plus seven assists and one steal.
In contrast, German Maxi Kleber did not play for JJ Redick’s side.