Luka Doncic: “The team that has Jokic is always dangerous”

By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net

LeBron James was out for a fifth straight game of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, but Luka Doncic lifted the Los Angeles Lakers to a comfortable win, 125-109, against the San Antonio Spurs in crypto.com Arena on Monday.

Cleared to play through a right ankle sprain and lasting nearly 34 minutes, the Slovenian sensation posted a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double alongside nine assists, three steals, and one block.

Resuming action on Wednesday, the JJ Redick-coached team faces the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic in the third part of a five-game homestand.

“The team that has Jokic is always dangerous,” previewed 26-year-old Doncic in a postgame press conference following the win over the Spurs, “With him on the court, there’s always danger and it’s hard to play against him. He knows all the tricks. He’s an amazing basketball player. But that’s fun for us. That’s a challenge for us.”

For the Spurs, who are navigating the rest of the season without French Victor Wembanyama (right shoulder deep vein thrombosis), Polish Jeremy Sochan combined 15 points with three rebounds and one assist. Georgian Sandro Mamukelashvili finished with ten points, two rebounds, and one steal.

Beyond Doncic representing Europe on the Lakers, Ukrainian Alex Len did not play and German Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) remained on the injury list.

Nuggets beat Warriors without Jokic

Nagging injuries in a right elbow contusion and a left ankle impingement forced Serbian leader Jokic to the sidelines but the Nuggets managed to beat the Golden State Warriors, 114-105, in Chase Center.

Slovenian Vlatko Cancar chipped in five points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal. In contrast, Croatian Dario Saric stayed on the bench.

Dealing with right ankle soreness, Dutch Quinten Post started for the Warriors but was limited to eight minutes, recording four points, one steal, and one rebound.

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