LOS ANGELES — Erik Spoelstra didn’t downplay the challenge the Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves-led Lakers present for opposing teams.
The Miami Heat coach acknowledged the Lakers’ starting backcourt duos’ collective ability to control the tempo and pace of a game as well as anybody in the league – and that was on full display in the Lakers’ 130-120 victory over the Heat on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Because even during a game that would be considered “off nights” for both, Doncic and Reaves dictated the terms offensively for the Lakers, who continued their strong offensive start to the season despite Doncic and Reaves both shooting 40.9% (18 of 44 combined) from the field.
Doncic recorded his first triple-double of the season with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to go with three steals, while Reaves recorded a 26-point-11-assist double-double to go along with four rebounds.
While his scoring total ended his streak of 40-point games to start the season at three, Doncic’s triple-double was the 83rd of his NBA career.
Doncic and Reaves, both of whom shot 9 of 22 from the field, combining for just under a third of the Lakers’ assist total (33), opened up scoring opportunities for others.
Like Jake LaRavia, who finished with 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, his third consecutive game scoring in double figures, to go with seven rebounds and three assists.
And Jaxson Hayes (15 points, five rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (15 points, six rebounds), both of whom did most of their scoring in the first quarter to help the Lakers take a 43-36 lead after the opening period.
Marcus Smart (11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot) also scored in double figures while making multiple momentum-changing hustle plays.
Doncic and Reaves combined for 26 of the Lakers’ 47 missed shots during a game the team still shot 50.5% (48 of 95).
The Heat (3-3) were led by 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists from Jaime Jaequez Jr., the former UCLA standout.
Star big man Bam Adebayo (17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals), guard Pelle Larsson (17 points, six assists, five rebounds) and forward Andrew Wiggins (15 points, nine rebounds) also scored in double figures for Miami.
The Lakers (5-2) will play the Trail Blazers (4-2) in Portland on Monday night at Moda Center to complete their back-to-back set.
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