Dončić’s 53‑Point Surge Powers Lakers, While LeBron’s Return Leads Cavs Past Sixers

Luka Dončić scored 53 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124‑118 win over Portland in an NBA Cup group‑stage game, while LeBron James’s return to Cleveland resulted in a loss for his new team.

This performance helped the Lakers overcome an early deficit, having trailed by as much as 16 points in the second quarter.

Dončić closed the first half with a remarkable half‑court shot that brought the Lakers within seven points and set the tone for a second‑half surge.

Portland narrowed the gap to four points in the final minute, but Dončić answered with a floater, and the Lakers secured their fourth consecutive victory.

Dončić has averaged at least 40 points in six of his last seven games and became the fourth Laker to score 40 or more in four consecutive regular‑season games, joining Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant and George Mikan.

“I’m enjoying myself,” Dončić said, adding five rebounds and five assists.

“Playing basketball is a lot of fun for me, especially when we play well and win,” he added.

This was his 11th career 50‑point game and his fourth with the Lakers, surpassing LeBron James and tying George Mikan for the fourth‑most in franchise history.

James, who departed the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers in June, made his first appearance in Cleveland as a Sixer, where the Cavaliers defeated him 119‑95, ending Philadelphia’s five‑game winning streak.

Many had anticipated a third stint in Cleveland for James, but he chose Philadelphia; he was welcomed with both cheers and scattered boos upon introduction.

The four‑time NBA champion, in his 24th season at age 41, was applauded again as he left the game late in the fourth quarter.

LeBron: ‘I did not feel in good rhythm offensively’

James and his teammates struggled throughout the game.

The league’s all‑time leading scorer finished with eight points on 3‑of‑12 shooting, along with seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and six turnovers.

Star center Joel Embiid missed all nine of his field‑goal attempts and made six free throws for six points.

Jaylen Brown, an off‑season acquisition like James, led the Sixers with 20 points, but the Cavaliers took early control and repelled every Philadelphia rally.

Donovan Mitchell contributed 10 of his 23 points in the opening quarter, while Evan Mobley added 22 points; Cleveland out‑rebounded Philadelphia 56‑42 despite missing injured center Jarrett Allen.

“I didn’t feel in a good offensive rhythm,” James said.

“We didn’t look strong offensively; we had a few spurts and managed to cut the deficit to three in the third quarter, but I committed too many turnovers,” he said.

Friday’s contests were part of the NBA Cup group‑stage, which will continue throughout November.

The quarterfinals of the in‑season tournament are scheduled for December 4‑5, with semifinals on December 8‑9 and the final on December 11.

The Boston Celtics hit 24 of 44 three‑point attempts in a 119‑80 blowout victory over the Hornets in Charlotte.

Jayson Tatum made five three‑pointers en route to a game‑high 34 points, as Boston built a lead of up to 46 points in a wire‑to‑wire win.

Wembanyama fuels Spurs

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, following a 52‑point, 24‑rebound performance against Dallas, posted 30 points and 14 rebounds to guide the Spurs to a 124‑109 win over the Kings in Sacramento.

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their dominance over the Grizzlies with a 128‑97 victory in Memphis.

Ajay Mitchell scored a career‑high 35 points, and two‑time defending MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander contributed 28 points; the Thunder secured their 13th consecutive regular‑season win over the Grizzlies despite sidelining injured starters Jaylen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren.

The absences proved irrelevant as the Thunder built a 71‑49 halftime lead.

Source link