Dončić’s 53 carry the Lakers past Portland, 124-118

Luka Dončić scored 53 points Friday as the Lakers beat Portland 124-118 in NBA Cup group play. He banked in a 61-footer at the halftime horn, then scored 20 points in the third quarter. Los Angeles needed another jumper from him with 28 seconds left to keep Portland’s comeback at a distance.

The Associated Press’ Greg Beacham reports that this was Dončić’s fourth consecutive 40-point game and his 11th career game with at least 50. The Lakers won their fourth straight. Austin Reaves added 25 points, while Walker Kessler supplied 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Where the 53 points came from

The official box score shows how much of the scoring came from closer range. Dončić made 17 of 33 field-goal attempts, including five of 15 threes. Subtract the three-pointers and he was 12-for-18 on two-point shots, a 66.7% rate. Those baskets produced 24 points; the threes added 15 and his 14 made free throws completed the 53.

The spectacular halftime shot therefore belongs within a broader scoring performance. Two-point baskets and free throws accounted for 38 of his 53 points. He also finished with five rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes, nine seconds. Dončić and Reaves combined for 78 of the Lakers’ 124 points.

The quarter that reversed the game

Portland led 60-53 at halftime. Los Angeles won the third quarter 34-15, taking an 87-75 lead into the fourth. Dončić alone outscored the entire Portland team in that third period. Beacham reports that the Lakers opened the game by missing their first 15 three-point attempts; their recovery required more than a sudden run of outside makes.

Portland finished 19-for-43 from three, compared with the Lakers’ 11-for-37. Los Angeles countered with 17 offensive rebounds to Portland’s eight and only 11 turnovers against the visitors’ 24. Those extra opportunities helped the Lakers survive an eight-make disadvantage from beyond the arc.

Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija scored 22 apiece for Portland. Avdija also had 11 assists and nine rebounds. The Lakers next visit Detroit on Sunday; Portland hosts San Antonio on Saturday.