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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Doncic impresses as Lakers turn back Jazz

Doncic impresses as Lakers turn back Jazz

Published Dec 19, 2025 02:50 pm

At A Glance

  • SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic had 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a big fourth quarter to top the Utah Jazz, 143-135, on Thursday night, Dec. 18.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) lays up the ball against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rob Gray)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) lays up the ball against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rob Gray)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic had 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a big fourth quarter to top the Utah Jazz, 143-135, on Thursday night, Dec. 18.
LeBron James had 28 points and 10 assists for the Lakers, who outscored the Jazz 41-29 in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers led by 12 in the period but the Jazz cut it to 134-130 before Doncic found Jaxson Hayes for his final assist and the cushion the Lakers needed to clinch the win.
Hayes was 7 of 7 for 16 points and is a perfect 26 of 26 in six games against Utah as a Laker.
Utah played without leading scorer Lauri Markkanen (groin), while the Lakers were missing regular starters Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Austin Reaves (calf).
Keyonte George scored 33 points, his third straight game with more than 30. Rookie Ace Bailey added 19 points for Utah, which hasn't won three consecutive games all season.
The Lakers won for the third time in four games despite allowing their most points this season.
The Jazz shot 65% and led 78-73 at halftime — their second-best offensive performance of the season. Meanwhile, Doncic scored or assisted on 16 of the Lakers’ 27 baskets in the first half to keep them close.
The Jazz attempted a season-high 47 free throws (making 31) and the Lakers’ frustration boiled over in the third quarter as Marcus Smart, Hayes and Doncic all received technical fouls.
James made two free throws to cap a 10-0 run and lift the Lakers to a 114-108 lead after they had trailed since the second minute of the game. He tweaked his knee midway through the second quarter and then got hit on the jaw a few plays late, but stayed on the court.
Meanwhile in Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points before resting in the fourth quarter, and the Thunder bounced back from a rare loss to beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 122-101.
The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs last Saturday for just their second defeat of the season, ending their team-record, 16-game win streak. They recovered on Thursday after some much-needed rest and improved to 25-2 overall and 13-0 at home.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 24 shots and had seven rebounds and six assists. It was his 98th consecutive game with at least 20 points, adding to the second-longest streak in NBA history.
Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and Jalen Williams added 20 for Oklahoma City.
James Harden, who leads the Clippers with 26 points per game, sat out with a bruised left calf. Without its star point guard, Los Angeles committed 28 turnovers, leading to 39 Oklahoma City points. Cason Wallace had five of Oklahoma City's 18 steals.
Oklahoma City committed just nine turnovers.
Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points and John Collins added 20 for the Clippers, have lost five straight and 10 of 11.
The Clippers led for most of the first quarter and the early part of the second before the Thunder found their rhythm. Holmgren scored 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting in the first half to help the Thunder take a 64-55 lead at the break.
Oklahoma City took control for good in the third quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 points in the period to give the Thunder a 103-83 lead heading into the fourth. Oklahoma City shot 55.6% from the field in the period while outscoring the Clippers 39-28.
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