Doncic scores 52 as Lakers rally from 18 down to beat Jazz

Luka Doncic scored 52 points, hitting eight three-pointers, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday in Salt Lake City, ESPN reported.

It was the first 50-point game of the NBA season and the 10th of Doncic’s career. He also recorded 10 assists, eight rebounds and two steals, shooting 17 of 30 from the field and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line.

The Lakers trailed by 18 points in the second quarter and by 47-29 at the end of the first, before rallying to a 74-71 half-time lead on a Doncic step-back three-pointer with 4.1 seconds left in the half.

Doncic finished off a 14-5 go-ahead run with back-to-back three-pointers that gave Los Angeles a 127-121 lead with 1:42 remaining. “It’s one of the best feelings — down the stretch, tight game, hitting those threes,” Doncic said, according to Agence France-Presse.

Austin Reaves added 29 points for the Lakers, who improved to 3-0. Lauri Markkanen scored 28 points to lead the Jazz, while Keyonte George had 24 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

Doncic became the first Lakers player to record at least 50 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five three-pointers in a single game, the NBA said. The Lakers next play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.