Luka Doncic explained why he passed to Austin Reaves for a crucial late three-pointer despite scoring 52 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The Slovenian superstar helped the Lakers recover from an 18-point deficit, delivering a historic performance as Los Angeles improved to 3-0 this season.
However, when the game was on the line, Doncic trusted his teammate to deliver rather than chase another basket himself.
Luka Doncic explains why he trusted Austin Reaves in crunch time
Speaking to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell after the game, Doncic offered a straightforward explanation for his decision to pass.
“Yeah, of course. I mean, he was wide open, and I missed the previous three,” Doncic said.
Reaves made the most of the opportunity, knocking down a 25-foot three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to extend the Lakers’ lead to seven points.
The guard finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds, shooting four-for-five from beyond the arc. His contribution proved crucial alongside Doncic’s remarkable scoring display.
Doncic had already reached 50 points with a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter before setting up Reaves on the decisive possession. He then added two free throws to finish with 52 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.
The performance also made NBA history. According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, Doncic became the first Lakers player since Elgin Baylor in 1963 to record at least 50 points and 10 assists in the same game.
Luka Doncic reveals why he let
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Despite the individual numbers, Doncic was more concerned about how his team started.
“We had a terrible first quarter,” he told Trudell, after Los Angeles conceded 47 points in the opening period.
“We learned our lesson, so we cannot start games like this anymore,” he added, highlighting the need for better defensive intensity.
Doncic also praised the group developing around him, saying: “I think we have a great group, and you know, I love playing with these guys.”
The Lakers have started the season unbeaten, and Doncic’s decision to trust Reaves offered another sign of their growing chemistry. Maintaining that connection will be important as Los Angeles looks to build on its promising opening run.
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