Lakers 128-117 Pacers (Mar 6, 2026) Game Recap
LOS ANGELES — — Luka Doncic scored 44 factors within the first three quarters Friday evening, overcoming LeBron James‘absence and main the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Doncic hit seven 3-pointers on a 14-for-25 taking pictures evening and grabbed 9 rebounds earlier than sitting out the fourth for the Lakers, who rebounded from a road loss to Denver on Thursday and gained for the fourth time in 5 video games total.
James sat out to relaxation his accumulation of minor accidents in his twenty third NBA season, however Doncic picked up any offensive slack from the beginning. The Slovenian celebrity scored 22 factors within the first quarter, topping 20 within the opening interval for the fifth time this season — probably the most such first quarters within the NBA in a single season not less than 30 years.
Doncic capped his barrage by banking in his seventh 3-pointer late in his 15-point third quarter.
Doncic turned solely the fourth participant in Lakers historical past to attain 40 factors in not less than 10 video games in a season, becoming a member of Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. He additionally has probably the most 40-point video games within the NBA this season, passing Anthony Edwards.
The Lakers solely led by 19 getting into the fourth, however they elevated their lead with out Doncic on the ground, ending his evening earlier than he might threaten for his eighth profession 50-point recreation.
Austin Reaves He scored 19 factors earlier than fouling out for less than the second time in his profession with 4:58 to play. Luke Kennard had 15 factors and 7 rebounds, and Marcus Smart scored 11 factors on his thirty second birthday.
Pascal Siakam scored 26 factors and Andrew Nembhard had 17 for the Pacers, who’ve misplaced eight straight because the All-Star break, together with 5 consecutive blowout defeats. Indiana went 2 for 19 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half.
The Lakers additionally performed with out beginning middle Deandre Aytonwho has a knee harm.
Pacers: At Portland on Sunday.
Lakers: Host New York on Sunday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
