The Los Angeles Lakers won their third straight thanks to a masterful 30-point performance from Dončić and James, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on the road on Tuesday night.
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It was a complete back-and-forth affair at the Smoothie King Center with 14 lead changes on the night until the Pelicans gained some momentum late in the third quarter with an 86-79 lead.
Then Luka Magic and King James happened, putting together a perfect fourth quarter to close out a New Orleans team that has been at the bottom of the West all season.
The Lakers outscored the Pelicans 32-17 behind the two.
In the fourth quarter, with less than three minutes left and the score at four, James and Dončić got to work. The two transitioned to a two-man action as LeBron broke through for a pair of layups and Dončić hit a ridiculous off-balance 3-pointer as the shot clock expired, sucking the life and chances out of the Pelicans to get within reach.
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“He’s been absolutely incredible. Just helping me, helping others, being super efficient. I think we’re both playing better with each other, game by game. And it’s going to get even better,” Dončić said of his chemistry with James.
Dončić had 10 assists in his outing, and James had eight rebounds and eight assists in his 33 minutes of action, still doing so at the age of 41, proving why he is in a world of his own against Father Time and longevity.
Doncic
The Lakers’ road victory improved them to 13-0 in decisive games and 23-11 on the season with the third-best record (fourth-best in the NBA) in the West behind the San Antonio Spurs (25-11), whom they will face next Wednesday for the second night in a row.