Lakers rout Heat as Doncic pours in 42 points
The Slovenian star scored 42 points and dished 13 assists in a 138-117 win, continuing a five-game scoring streak of 37 or more.
By Olivia Reed ·
Luka Doncic dropped 42 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 138-117 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night. The performance marked his fifth straight game with at least 37 points, extending a run that includes a 45-point, 15-assist effort against Toronto the previous night.
Doncic connected on six 3-pointers during the win. He is averaging 43.4 points per game over his last five contests. Austin Reaves contributed 27 points for Los Angeles, while Walker Kessler recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. The Lakers improve to 6-2 on the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Heat with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. It was the start of the Greek forward's first season in Miami. The loss marks Miami's fifth in seven games to open the campaign and the first defeat on a five-game West Coast road trip. Klay Thompson added 19 points and Bam Adebayo scored 16 for the visitors, who had rested on Saturday after playing Friday.
The Lakers controlled the pace early. Doncic started the game with 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds. He finished the first half with 24 points. After the break, he added nine more in the first four and a half minutes to push the Lakers' lead to 19 points at 93-74. Miami failed to close the gap for the remainder of the game. Reaves played the start of the fourth quarter while Doncic rested.
Doncic is averaging 15.0 points in the opening period this season. He has scored at least 13 points in all but one of his seven games this year. The defending NBA scoring champion maintained his rhythm despite the Lakers' tight schedule, having also played on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams returned from a three-game absence due to a foot injury. However, Jake LaRavia retained the starting position previously held by Williams. Heat president Pat Riley received a loud ovation from the Lakers crowd when his name appeared on the arena scoreboard. The team unveiled a statue honoring Riley's Showtime era coaching tenure outside the downtown arena last season.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday night. The Lakers travel to face the Sacramento Kings, while the Heat host the Los Angeles Clippers.
Source: WKMG-TV
