By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
On Wednesday, Luka Doncic scored 21 points in the first quarter to set the pace in a 120-108 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Denver Nuggets in crypto.com Arena.
“It’s not strategy, it’s just what the defense gives you,” the Slovenian superstar described the latest outburst over the first 12 minutes.
The 26-year-old combo guard poured in 31 points, behind 10/21 field goals, playing through a right ankle sprain. He lasted 32 minutes over three quarters and rested during the fourth. He also registered eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
” I got 20, you talking about ball don’t lie”
Luka trash talking after scoring 21 points in the first quarter !pic.twitter.com/7ZdMd2vVfy
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) March 20, 2025
“When I hit one of those, I know the crowd goes crazy and just give energy. Not just for me, but for the whole team,” he added during a postgame press conference, referring to trademark unbelievable makes igniting the fans.
“It just feels like getting into a new home. Dallas was my home for almost seven years. It really felt like home. Coming here, I’m just trying to build a new home and I’m getting more and more comfortable,” Doncic also shared an update on adapting to a new environment since the blockbuster trade to the Lakers.
For the Nuggets, Serbian Nikola Jokic missed a second straight game of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season due to a right elbow contusion and a left ankle impingement.
Jokic didn’t like what he was seeing from the Nuggets as he couldn’t help his team due to injury!
pic.twitter.com/KzSgbFdGer— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) March 20, 2025
Also, Croatian Dario Saric stayed on the bench, but Slovenian Vlatko Cancar had two points, eight rebounds, and three assists over 22 minutes.
In additional European options for the Lakers, Ukrainian Alex Len did not play and German Maxi Kleber remained on the injury list rehabbing right foot surgery.