The Los Angeles Lakers are in a must-win situation in Wednesday night's Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which means all eyes are on Luka Doncic. So far, Luke is off to a rough start.
Doncic is well-known for his capabilities on the offensive end of the floor, but his defensive shortcomings have repeatedly been highlighted. Things did not go well to start Game 5.
Luka Doncic's awful defense in Game 5 vs. Timberwolves draws pissed off social media reaction
Luka Doncic did not have a great start to Game 5, shooting 0-of-4 from the field in the first quarter, but finishing with six points because of the seven free throws he attempted.
Defensively, however, is where Doncic was getting crushed.
In the opening minutes of Game 5, Doncic allowed Julius Randle to drive by him and fouled him on a layup attempt that Randle made.
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On another play shortly after, Doncic allowed Jaden McDaniels to drive by him for an easy bucket at the rim.
That drew a lot of responses from fans on social media, both Lakers fans and general NBA fans, who were irate at the defense displayed by the former Dallas Mavericks superstar.
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Luka Doncic recorded 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal on just 2-of-7 shooting from the floor. The Lakers star took a hard foul from Minnesota Timberwolves star Donte DiVincenzo, and ended up leaving the game due to a lower back injury.
At halftime, the Lakers trailed the Timberwolves, 59-49. Rudy Gobert recorded a game-high 15 points, eight rebounds, and one blocked shots. Anthony Edwards added 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 10 points and two assists.
For the Lakers, LeBron James scored 10 points with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Rui Hachimura scored 10 points with two rebounds.