Lakers secure convincing victory over Mavericks despite Doncic's return

The Los Angeles Lakers exhibited an impressive performance on Wednesday, clinching a resounding 127-110 NBA triumph against the Dallas Mavericks, even as Luka Doncic returned to action following a three-game absence due to a sprained right ankle.

Fueling the Lakers’ success was Anthony Davis, who narrowly missed a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. D’Angelo Russell also contributed significantly, scoring 29 points. Despite Doncic’s commendable triple-double of 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Mavericks faced a formidable Lakers team that never relinquished the lead after the first quarter.

In a night filled with lopsided victories across the league, notable results included the Cleveland Cavaliers dominating the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 135-95, the Boston Celtics prevailing over the San Antonio Spurs 117-98, and the Toronto Raptors securing a 121-97 win against the Miami Heat. The Atlanta Hawks, however, engaged in a closely contested battle against the Orlando Magic, ultimately emerging victorious with Dejounte Murray’s buzzer-beating jump shot, securing a 106-104 win.

Throughout the league, teams observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who tragically passed away from a heart attack in Salt Lake City. The scheduled game between the Warriors and the Utah Jazz was postponed, leaving the NBA community mourning the loss of a coach known for his influence on European and NBA players, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

LeBron James, reflecting on the Lakers’ triumph, emphasized the importance of having a healthy squad for team success. With the victory, the Lakers improved their season record to 21-21, achieving a crucial milestone for the team. In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers to a sixth consecutive victory, capitalizing on the absence of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the game due to a bruised right shoulder.

The Cavaliers’ elite defense, exemplified by Georges Niang’s outstanding performance with a career-high 33 points, played a pivotal role in the commanding 135-95 win over the Bucks. In Boston, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 117-98 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, maintaining their perfect home record at 20-0. The night also saw the New Orleans Pelicans secure a 132-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, with Brandon Ingram delivering a triple-double and setting a franchise record with 25 three-pointers.