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By Cole Sullivan
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After a sluggish performance in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers responded in a big way Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves — all without LeBron James, who was sidelined for the second straight game.
The Lakers rolled to a 128-110 victory, led by superstar point guard Luka Doncic, who delivered another remarkable performance.
After dropping 43 points against Golden State on Tuesday, Doncic somehow topped it, finishing with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists and etching his name in the history books for several reasons.
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He became the first player in NBA history to open a season with back-to-back games of 40-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists, while also becoming the first Laker — and just the fourth player in league history — to start a season with consecutive 40-point games.
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NBA fans had some pretty strong reactions on social media to Doncic's historic feat.
"Crazy start for Luka! To be mentioned alongside MJ, AD, and Wilt already is wild. If he keeps this up, we might be talking early MVP frontrunner," a fan said.
Someone else added: Luka Doncic got his body in check and looks sharp as ever, but he also got control back of the offense."
Another person wrote: "49 is CRAZY lol."
"Love how he’s not settling. And his touch, it’s just … impossible," one more fan commented.
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However, it wasn’t just Doncic who stepped up this time around for the Lakers — a major difference from the season opener, where only three players scored in double figures.
Austin Reaves recorded 25 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 23 points of his own. Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, and while those three provided the offensive spark, the defensive energy from Marcus Smart off the bench and Jarred Vanderbilt proved to be a game-changer, as both players recorded two steals apiece.
Now, Los Angeles will hit the road for the first time this season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
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