Doncic's 42 Points Fall Short as Lakers Suffer Third Consecutive Loss to Kings
Los Angeles, United States (AFP) - Luka Doncic's impressive 42-point performance couldn't prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 124-112 defeat to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, extending their losing streak to three games. The Lakers' struggles continued, with just eight three-pointers made from 36 attempts, and LeBron James contributing 22 points, donning a special patch to commemorate his 23rd NBA season.
Among the four Lakers players to score in double figures were Doncic and James, with Deandre Ayton finishing with 13 points and Jaxson Hayes adding 12 from the bench. The Kings, currently ranked just above the bottom of the Western Conference with a 10-30 record, were led by DeMar DeRozan's 32 points, while Russell Westbrook added 22 points against his former team.
Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted, 'We couldn't make a shot.'
Elsewhere, the Indiana Pacers secured their third consecutive victory with a thrilling 98-96 upset over the Boston Celtics in Indianapolis. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 21 points, but the team remains at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 9-31 record. Siakam's floating jump shot with seven seconds left proved to be the game-winning basket, securing a rare home victory for the Pacers.
Boston's Derrick White missed a long-range three-pointer with just two seconds remaining, allowing the Pacers to hold on for the win. In Toronto, Kyle Lowry, a beloved figure after his 2019 NBA title with the Raptors, received a standing ovation during the fourth quarter of the Philadelphia 76ers' 115-102 victory. Lowry, who made a brief appearance for the 76ers, played just under two minutes, with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid contributing 33 and 27 points, respectively.
Maxey praised Lowry's mentorship, stating, 'He's been there for me every day.' The Utah Jazz pulled off an upset 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, thanks to 32 points from Keyonte George and 28 points from Lauri Markkanen.
