Doncic returns after 3-game absence, scores 44 to steer Lakers previous Grizzlies 117-112 – ABC30 Fresno

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — – Luka Doncic had 44 factors, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in his return after a three-game absence and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-112 on Friday night time within the opening recreation of the NBA Cup for every workforce.
Austin Reaves added 21 factors for the Lakers and Jake LaRavia scored 13. It was Doncic's eleventh straight video games of scoring at the least 25 towards the Grizzlies.
Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells scored 16 factors every to steer Memphis and Jaren Jackson Jr. completed with 15 factors. Ja Morant was held to eight factors – going 3 of 14 from the sphere – and 7 assists.
The Lakers continued to play with out LeBron James, who’s coping with proper sciatica. However Doncic, who missed the final three video games with a left finger sprain and a decrease left leg contusion, returned to the beginning lineup.
Each groups had important runs earlier than it settled right into a intently performed recreation. Memphis' rally got here within the second quarter and the Lakers answered it within the third earlier than pulling away within the fourth.
The Grizzlies constructed a double-digit lead within the second quarter whereas scoring 42 factors, together with a 27-4 rally within the closing minutes of the half. That gave them a 69-55 lead on the break.
However the Lakers with Doncic controlling the offense, sliced away on the Memphis benefit within the second half, erasing the deficit within the first seven minutes of the third. That led to an trade of leads as Doncic had 16 within the quarter.
Coming into the fourth, there had been 14 lead adjustments and 7 ties.
Up subsequent
Lakers: Host Miami on Sunday.
Grizzlies: Go to Toronto on Sunday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBAbr/]

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