Luka Dončić Leads Lakers to Victory Over Grizzlies in NBA Cup Opener
Luka Dončić returned from injury to score 44 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-112 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their NBA Cup opener.
Luka Dončić made a triumphant return from a three-game injury absence, scoring 44 points and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening night of NBA Cup play. Dončić also contributed 12 rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes on the court.
Austin Reaves supported the effort with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton added nine points before exiting after the first half due to a back issue. Ayton indicated postgame that he could have returned, but head coach JJ Redick opted not to risk further injury.
The Grizzlies were led by Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells, each scoring 16 points. Rookie Cedric Coward posted a double-double, while Ja Morant struggled, scoring only eight points and going scoreless in the second half, continuing his early-season shooting slump.
Memphis held a 14-point lead at halftime, bolstered by a dominant second quarter. However, a poor shooting performance in the third quarter allowed the Lakers to rally and secure the win.
With this victory, the Lakers improved their record, while the Grizzlies dropped to 1-8 in NBA Cup play since the tournament's inception. LeBron James, still sidelined with sciatica, is expected to return mid-November.
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