The Los Angeles Lakers notched their fifth straight win after squeaking past the San Antonio Spurs, 118-116, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, with Luka Doncic once again waving his magic wand.
Doncic put on an all-around show with 35 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, five steals, and two blocks. He scored at will and toyed with the hapless defense of the Spurs, even leaving LeBron James and Austin Reaves in disbelief on the bench at one point.
But while his offense was on full display yet again, some also pointed out Doncic's effort on defense. It's not a secret that the five-time All-Star has been widely criticized for his defense and is an easy target for opposing teams.
But after their win over the Spurs, Doncic's defense received high praise from the Lakers.
“I’ve never seen him like that. But you know, he’s trying to be more aggressive (on defense), and that’s what we need from him too,” said Rui Hachimura, who contributed 15 points on 55.6% shooting from the field, in a report from the Los Angeles Times' Thuc Nhi Nguyen.
Coach JJ Redick echoed Hachimura's remark, while also noting that Doncic's defense has been “really good” overall this season.
“There wasn’t matador defense. He still guarded, and that was huge. The reason we won the game is because we guarded in the fourth quarter. Our fourth-quarter defense was the No. 1 reason we won the game,” added Redick.
The 26-year-old Doncic has been on a different level in his second season with the Purple and Gold. His slim physique has helped him become more active on both ends, while also extending his endurance.
If he becomes even more engaged on defense, the Lakers will really be a tough challenge.
Doncic is averaging career-highs of 40.0 points and 11.0 rebounds on top of 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals.
The Lakers will start a five-game road trip on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.
