Luka Doncic erupted for 53 points on Friday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 comeback victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Doncic shot 17-for-33 from the field, including five 3-pointers, and added 14 points on 18 free throws along with five rebounds and five assists. The performance extended his remarkable start to the season: through nine games he is averaging 40.1 points on 49.8% shooting overall and 41.9% from three-point range.
After the game, Blazers coach Micah Nori suggested that any NBA player could produce similar numbers given the same volume of opportunities. "He's a really good player, but if you give any NBA player 33 shots and 18 free throws, they're probably going to score 40 to 50 as well," Nori said. The comment drew criticism for overlooking the skill required to create and convert those shots against a defense designed to stop him.
Nori had praised Doncic before the game, calling him "the MVP right now" and noting he was in the best shape he had ever seen. Portland's defensive plan initially forced Doncic to his right hand and made him a passer, but he adjusted and scored 20 points in the third quarter, outscoring the entire Trail Blazers team in that period. A banked heave before halftime and a clutch jumper with 27.7 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Doncic's 361 points through nine games surpass Michael Jordan's 347 in his first nine games of the 1986-87 season, with only Wilt Chamberlain's historic starts ahead. Despite the historic pace, Doncic remained measured: "We're just 10 games in. We got 72 left. But as long as we win, I'm good." The Lakers also benefited from 17 offensive rebounds and forced 24 Portland turnovers.
