Luka Doncic is on an absolute tear to start the season, dropping 49 points to lead the Lakers past the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110 on Friday night.
This comes just days after he poured in 43 points in Tuesday’s season-opening loss to Golden State.
That’s 92 points in his first two games as a Laker – shattering Jerry West’s 56-year-old franchise record of 81 points to begin a season.
The 26-year-old star hasn’t just been scoring, either. He’s grabbed at least 10 rebounds in both games while dishing out plenty of assists.
Against Minnesota, Doncic was nearly unstoppable. He shot a blistering 60.9% from the field, knocked down five three-pointers, and got to the free throw line 19 times.
“I wish we won the first game, but obviously it’s a good comeback,” Doncic said after the game. “I think Minnesota is a great team. We had to do a lot to win today. But myself, I feel great. I want to win every game.”
What Doncic is doing hasn’t just broken Lakers records – it’s NBA history. He’s the first player ever to start a season with back-to-back games of 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists.
He’s also just the fourth player in NBA history with consecutive 40-point games to open a season, joining some pretty elite company: Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain.
The 50-Point Chase
With the game well in hand late in the fourth quarter, Lakers coach JJ Redick actually tried to help Doncic reach the 50-point mark.
“I’m trying to get the guy 50, and yeah, I’d already given him three chances,” Redick admitted after the game. “I gave a fourth chance. He gets fouled and then he blows that, too.”
Doncic got to the line with about three minutes left but missed one of his free throws, leaving him at 49 points – still his highest total as a Laker.
Redick pulled him from the game shortly after.
The win was also special for center Deandre Ayton, who picked up his first victory in a Lakers uniform.
Ayton, who faced Doncic in some heated playoff battles when he was with Phoenix, is thrilled to be on the same side now.
“Just like the same way I see it when I’m on the other side – shocked,” Ayton said about watching Doncic’s performance. “Like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he’s doing this. When is he going to miss?’ You know, things like that. I wanted him to get 50 tonight, though.”
The Lakers look to build on this win when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
