Luka Dončić makes a total on Jazz!

DeprivedAustin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers rely on their duo Luka Doncic – LeBron James from the beginning, but Utah is the one that starts the match best. The Jazz took advantage of Los Angeles’ overly compliant defense to quickly take control, especially behind a lot of outside success. Three consecutive 3-point shots allowed Utah to increase the deficit to an eight-point advantage (28-20). The Lakers reacted briefly, but seven minutes from the end of the first quarter, the Jazz, without Lauri Markanen, still led by five points.

California’s defense continues to suffer, leaving Utah to shoot 57% from behind the arc. Luka Dončić is the first Laker to reach ten points, but offensive support is limited. Result: The Jazz scored 41 points in the first quarter, and Los Angeles trailed by nine points after twelve minutes.

A game of underdogs

Jared Vanderbilt got the second quarter off to a good start with five rushing points, while Bryce Sensabo returned the favor for Utah. With each attempt to get closer to the Lakers, the Jazz found a way to keep the lead. Doncic and LeBron are the only Lakers with 10 or more points at the break, they collected 28 of their team’s 58 points. Despite still impressive outside skill (61% on 3-pointers), Utah is seeing its lead shrink. At halftime, the Lakers trailed by just five points (78-73), although they conceded a season-high 78 points in two quarters.

Coming back from the locker room, Jackson Hayes was effective near the circle with two dunks, but Los Angeles suffered three technical fouls, giving Keyonte George easy points. The Lakers, however, came back three lengths before seeing Ace Bailey penalized twice more from long range for the Jazz’s 12th and 13th game-winning shots.

Los Angeles picked up the pace again and got back on track thanks to an eight-point run to tie the game (102-102) with a minute left in the third quarter. Utah, however, finished the period better and clawed back a four-point lead before attacking in the final act.

Smart Spark

LeBron James hits hard in the fourth quarter with four quick points. Maxi Kleber allows the Lakers to go ahead for the first time thanks to three free throws, before Marcus Smart increased the deficit to 3 points (117-110). Los Angeles then signs 8-0. Utah relies on Keionte George, the author of eight points in the period, while Smart, already at 9 points in the quarter, was eventually ejected for six fouls.

In the end, it was Doncic who made the difference by making two consecutive 3-pointers, giving the Lakers a 12-point lead with four minutes left. The Jazz didn’t give up and got back to -4 at 8-0, but Rui Hachimura cooled the room with a crucial game-winning shot a minute from time.

At the end of the match, free throws were decided after several fouls, including a very questionable one on Keyonte George from behind the arc. But Jake LaRavia, Doncic and LeBron are in line to record another road win (143-135), the 12th of the season for the Lakers.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Perfection according to Hayes. 26 of 26, including 7 of 7 this Thursday. This is Jackson Hayes’ record for shots against the Jazz this season. The stats are pretty crazy, but the Lakers interior didn’t miss a shot (or rather a dunk) against Utah.

Doncic almighty. Alongside a good LeBron James (28 points, 10 assists), Doncic kept the Lakers afloat in the first half by contributing 70% of his team’s points, either with his points or assists. In the finish, a rare triple-double with 45 scored points!

Đorđe confirms. With his 34 points and 8 assists, Keyonte George confirms the status of a serious candidate for the trophy of the most improved player. He is more adept at shooting in all compartments, and especially near the circle where his penetrations are more and more effective. Real poison for defense.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.