Doncic Scores 53 Points to Lift Lakers Past Trail Blazers

Luka Doncic poured in 53 points to propel the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 NBA Cup group-stage victory over Portland on Friday. The latest big game for Doncic helped the team shake off a sluggish start that saw them trailing by as many as 16 points in the second quarter. Doncic closed the first half with an astonishing shot from well beyond the half-court line, pulling the Lakers within seven points and setting the tone for their second-half surge. The Trail Blazers had pulled within four points in the final minute when he hit a floater, and the Lakers held on for their fourth straight win.

Doncic has scored at least 40 points in six of his last seven games and joined Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant and George Mikan as the only Lakers players to score 40 or more in four straight regular-season contests. Expressing his enthusiasm, Doncic noted that he is having a lot of fun playing basketball, especially when winning games. This marked the 11th 50-point game of his career and his fourth with the Lakers, passing LeBron James and tying Mikan for the fourth most in franchise history. He finished the night with five rebounds and five assists.

Luka Doncic scored 53 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 victory.

Meanwhile, LeBron James made his first trip back to Cleveland as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after moving in June. The Cleveland Cavaliers spoiled his homecoming with a 119-95 victory that snapped Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak. James was greeted with warm cheers and scattered boos upon introduction, and cheered again when exiting late in the fourth quarter. Playing his 24th NBA season at age 41, James finished with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and six turnovers. Joel Embiid went scoreless from the floor with six free throws, while Jaylen Brown led Philadelphia with 20 points. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points and Evan Mobley scored 22 for the Cavaliers.

In other tournament action, the Boston Celtics defeated the Hornets 119-80 behind 34 points from Jayson Tatum, who drained five three-pointers. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama recorded 30 points and 14 rebounds in a 124-109 win against Sacramento. The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 128-97 victory over Memphis as Ajay Mitchell posted a career-high 35 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28, extending their winning streak against the Grizzlies despite missing several injured starters.

Why it matters

Friday's slate of games contributes directly to the ongoing NBA Cup group-stage action running through November. The outcomes shape the standings ahead of the tournament quarterfinals scheduled for December 4-5, followed by the semifinals on December 8-9 and the final on December 11.