LOS ANGELES — — Luka Doncic had 31 factors, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in his seventh triple-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame LeBron James‘ newest damage absence to comb their season collection with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 120-106 victory Tuesday evening.
Austin Reaves scored 29 of his 31 factors in a scorching second half for the Lakers (40-25), who pulled even with Minnesota for fourth place within the Western Conference standings after their third straight win over the staff that knocked them out of the first round of final season’s playoffs.
Doncic secured the 89th triple-double of his profession — seventh-most in NBA historical past — early within the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton had 14 factors and 12 rebounds in a robust effort with each of his backup large males sidelined.
James sat out for the third straight recreation with accidents for the Lakers, who’ve nonetheless gained three straight and 6 of seven. He additionally missed the Lakers’ first two wins over Minnesota this season again in October.
The Lakers improved to 13-8 with out the highest scorer in NBA historical past of their lineup, together with 10-2 when Doncic and Reaves each play with out James.
Julius Randle scored 14 factors and Anthony Edwards completed with 14 factors on a 2-for-15 capturing evening for Minnesota, which has misplaced two straight after a five-game profitable streak. Four Timberwolves bench gamers scored in double figures within the opener of a four-game journey.
Both groups have been principally terrible on offense within the first half. The Lakers missed 17 of their first 21 photographs throughout their 16-point first quarter.
But after a 1-for-8 first half, Reaves scored 16 factors within the third quarter whereas the Lakers pushed their result in 19. Reaves accomplished two four-point performs within the second half, and he completed with a season-high seven 3-pointers.
Timberwolves: At Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
Lakers: Host Chicago on Thursday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
