Marcus Smart reacts to Luka Doncic’s ridiculous defensive stats against the Spurs

The The Los Angeles Lakers have extended their hot start to the 2025-26 season on Wednesday night, beat the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 for their fifth straight win. Doc Luka Dončić once again shouldering the scoring and playmaking load, his defensive play astounded fans and teammates alike – especially Marcus Smart.

Smart, who finished with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block while shooting 10-for-10 from the free throw line in 34 minutes, had a priceless reaction when told of Doncic’s defensive stats. In a video posted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on X, formerly known as Twitter, Smart’s disbelief quickly turned to celebration.

“Luka had what? Five steals, two blocks… what?!” Smart exclaimed before adding, “Luka! Five steals, two blocks, baby, I see you! DPOI baby!”

Marcus Smart was completely shocked to hear that Luka Doncic had five steals and two blocks in the win over San Antonio. “Luka had what??” pic.twitter.com/VkIl2REDvC

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 6, 2025

Doncic’s performance was one for the record books. The 26-year-old star had 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals and two blocks while shooting 9-for-27 from the field, 4-for-11 from the field and 13-for-17 from the line in 42 minutes. According to the NBA, Doncic became the first Laker to record at least 35 points, 10 assists and five steals in a regular-season game since the league began tracking steals in 1973-74.

THE PORT OF MAGIC TONIGHT IN FULL:

🪄 35 points
🪄 9 REB
🪄 13 AST
🪄 5 STL
🪄 2 BLK
🪄 4 3 in the afternoon

First Laker to record 35+ PTS, 10+ AST and 5+ STL in a regular season game since 1973-74 (when steals were first recorded)! pic.twitter.com/lZ37EcKSl3

— NBA (@NBA) November 6, 2025

Luka Doncic’s historic start brought less than the Lakers to the Spurs

In addition, Doncic continued to put up statistical marks rarely seen in league history. According to OPTAStats, he became first player ever to score or assist more than 310 points through the first five games of the season. His total of 205 points in that span is also the third most in NBA history through a player’s first five games, surpassing Michael Jordan.

Through the Lakers’ first nine contests, Doncic was dominant on both ends, averaging 40 points, 11 rebounds, 9.2 assists and two steals per game while shooting 50% from the field and 30.5% from three. His consistency fueled Los Angeles’ best start since the 2019-20 campaign — a season that ended with an NBA championship.

What makes the Lakers’ early surge even more impressive is the adversity they’ve faced. LeBron James remains sidelined with a sciatica injury and is expected to return later this month, while Austin Reaves has missed the last two games. Doncic himself missed four contests earlier in the season, but the Lakers have depth and balanced contributions from players like Smart, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.

Los Angeles improved to 7-2 with Wednesday’s win and will now begin a five-game road trip starting Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks (4-4) at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV. The road trip ends on Nov. 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks, another key stretch for a team that continues to prove its resilience — and that even Luka Doncic’s defense can force Marcus Smart to double-double.