Another standout performance by Doncic to tie records held by Robertson and Kobe Bryant
It is the seventh consecutive game in which Doncic has recorded at least 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, tying one of Robertson's records; he is the first Lakers player since Kobe Bryant to string together four straight games with at least 40 points
Luka Doncic put on a show this Friday with 53 points in the hard-fought 124-118 victory for the Lakers over the Portland Trail Blazers , a win that keeps the Los Angeles team alive in the NBA Cup after losing in their debut.
The Slovenian's display included a spectacular basket from three-quarters court at the halftime buzzer. It is the seventh consecutive game in which Doncic has recorded at least 35 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, tying a Robertson record . In addition, he became the first Lakers player since Kobe Bryant to string together four straight games with at least 40 points .
The Lakers have started the season with a record of 8 wins and 2 losses, although one of them came in their NBA Cup debut, against the Golden State Warriors , a setback that could prove decisive for their chances of advancing to the playoffs. Both the Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs are still unbeaten in West Group C in the competition, which they share with the Lakers, Blazers and Sacramento Kings.
The Blazers built a 16-point lead in the second quarter, but a 17-0 run in the third quarter, from 61-68 to 78-68, sealed the comeback for the Lakers despite Portland's resistance until the final buzzer. Doncic finished the game with 53 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, including 20 points in that third quarter of the Los Angeles comeback . Austin Reaves backed him up with 25 points and Walker Kessler added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Deni Avdija came close to a triple-double for the Blazers with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists, Damian Lillard also contributed 22 points and Donovan Clingan posted another double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. It is the second loss of the season for the Blazers, who now have a 6-2 record.
