Luka Doncic returns to his 3-point shot
For the second time in a row, the Memphis Grizzlies have learned a hard lesson: When Luka Dončić cooksthe Los Angeles Lakers are practically unstoppable.
The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 120-114 at Kripto.com Arena on Sunday, with Doncic scoring a game-high 36 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field. He also had nine rebounds and eight assists. The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 128-121 on Friday.
Los Angeles improved from a 16-point deficit to 22-11. Doncic buried back-to-back 3-pointers in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to fend off the Grizzlies.
The five-time All-Star, who struggled from deep, felt relieved after performing key threes.
“I’m just smiling, I was happy. I made two threes in a row, I’m really happy. But those are good shots, you know, I have to work on it every day in training and be confident,” said Doncic in an interview with Spectrum SportsNet.
“That’s how we have to close out games… props to everyone.”
Luka Dončić (36 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, BLK) talks to @LakersReporter after #LakeShow beat the Grizzlies 120-114. pic.twitter.com/VRT3nkaVdn
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 5, 2026
He went 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. He’s averaging just 31.7% from long range, the second-lowest of his career.
The 26-year-old Dončić is also responsible for their defense in the second half and his own continued chemistry with LeBron Jameswho had 26 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.
“That’s how we have to close games. We were down by four, I mean, something like that in the fourth quarter, we came back and won by six, that’s what we have to do, we have to close games between me and Bron,” Doncic said, giving credit to Jake Laravie, who also scored 26 points.
The Lakers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
2026-01-05 06:00:00
