Tuesday in the NBA featured 10 games, and yet seemingly all eyes were on crypto.com Arena. That game and more are the highlights of this roundup. Take a look:
Lakers Roll as Luka Doncic Era Unfolds
Luka Doncic made his much-anticipated debut to fire up the Los Angeles Lakers (32-19) to a 132-113 dismantling of the Utah Jazz (12-40) at a buzzing crypto.com Arena clad with Doncic’s gold jersey.
Doncic finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists as he played on a minutes restriction. LeBron James led the rolling Lakers with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists as they rode a first-half wave that saw them build a 72-47 halftime edge. Austin Reaves added 22 points and 9 rebounds a game after exploding for a career-high 45, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 21.
The Lakers have now won six straight and are 10-1 in their last 11.
Lauri Markkanen and John Collins paced the Jazz with 17. Utah has dropped three straight.
Up next:
Rematch on February 13
Spurs Upend Wizards on Wemby’s Big Night
Victor Wembanyama went on an early three-point shooting barrage as he set the tone for the San Antonio Spurs’ (23-28) 131-121 victory over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Wembanya fired four triples in the game’s first eight minutes to help San Antonio race out to a 40-30 first quarter. He finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. De’Aaron Fox added 30 points as he attempted 18 free throws, making 15.
Tristan Vukcevic top scored for the Wizards with 18 off the bench. Corey Kispert and Justin Champagnie added 14 apiece, also off the bench.
Up next:
Spurs vs. Boston Celtics on February 13
Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers on February 13
Kings Edge Mavs on DeMar DeRozan’s Game-Winner
DeMar DeRozan capped off a 40-point night with a baseline floater to push the Sacramento Kings (27-26) past the Dallas Mavericks (28-26) in overtime, 129-128, at American Airlines Center.
DeRozan finished with a season-high 42 points on 15-for-22 shooting from the field—the last of which was that go-ahead baseline floater with two ticks left in the game. Zach Lavine and Malik Monk added 17 apiece, while Domantas Sabonis had 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Kyrie Irving carried the fight for Dallas with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie scattered 20 off the bench. The Mavs were without Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and P.J. Washington.
Up next:
Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans on February 13
Mavs vs. Golden State Warriors on February 13
