Luka Doncic scores 43 as Lakers defeat Clippers in NBA Cup | Basketball News

Doncic, Austin Reeves and LeBron James combined for 99 points as the LA Lakers won their group in the NBA Cup game.

Luka Doncic scored 24 of his 43 points in the first quarter and finished with 13 assists and nine rebounds as the host Los Angeles Lakers won 135-118 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday to clinch NBA Cup West Group B.

Austin Reaves scored 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and collected nine rebounds for the Lakers, who won their fifth consecutive game. LeBron James added 25 points, six rebounds and six assists and Rui Hachimura had 13 points.

The Lakers improved to 3–0 in NBA Cup play while the Clippers lost 2–1. The Clippers are still in the race for a wild-card spot.

James Harden recorded 29 points and nine assists, and Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn each scored 19 points for the Clippers, who have lost 11 of their last 13 games. John Collins posted 18 points, and Ivica Zubac added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lakers shot a scorching 57.5 percent from the field, including 13 of 29 (44.8 percent) from 3-point range. Doncic made a season-best seven treys, recording his fifth 40-point effort of the campaign.

The Clippers made 51.9 percent of their field-goal attempts and were 13 of 35 (37.1 percent) from behind the arc.

Dunn was ejected with 3:33 left after driving the basketball into Doncic’s chest and hitting the Lakers’ Jackson Hayes in the face with an open hand when Hayes pushed Dunn from behind. Hayes found a technical fault.

Reaves scored seven points during a 14–4 run early in the fourth quarter and the Lakers turned a five-point advantage into a 112–97 lead.

A short time later, he scored five consecutive Lakers points to cut the lead to 117–102 with 6:51 remaining.

The Clippers got within 124–115 on Harden’s basket with 2:55 remaining, before the Lakers scored the next nine points to clinch the win.

Doncic made five 3-pointers during his 24-point first quarter, but the Lakers trailed 38–37 in the second quarter.

Doncic had 32 points at halftime and the Lakers led 69–66. Harden scored 16 points in the first half for the Clippers.

James’ basket with 8:30 left in the third quarter gave the Lakers an 82–72 advantage. However, the Clippers scored the next 11 points, taking an 83–82 lead on Leonard’s basket with 5:31 remaining.

The Lakers came back on top and James converted a three-point play to give them a 98–93 lead heading into the final period.