MEMPHIS — Luka Doncic didn’t celebrate when he sank his first half-court heave during warmups. He didn’t gloat when coaches dutifully dropped to the court to pay the pushup price.
The Lakers superstar just makes greatness feel expected.
Doncic’s 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists led the Lakers to a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at FedEx Forum as he returned from a three-game absence.
The 26-year-old guard has scored 40 points in each of his three games this season. The only thing that’s slowed him down is injuries: a left finger sprain and a left leg contusion suffered in the second game of the season in which he still put up 49 points.
Doncic scored 16 points in the third quarter to lead the Lakers (4-2) back from a 16-point halftime deficit. Austin Reaves, who has starred in Doncic’s absence, finished with 20 points.
After missing the Lakers’ thrilling win in Minnesota on Wednesday, Doncic rejoined the team Thursday in Memphis and promptly went to the gym with coaches and staff members. He and guard Marcus Smart (left quad contusion) participated in shoot-around Friday and went directly into the starting lineup.
Doncic returned like he never left. He was hitting step-back threes and hopping on one leg as he admired the arc on his shot. He pivoted around and through a double team and faded away deep in the shot clock, ready to sink Memphis’ hopes with his signature jump shot. But instead of shooting, he dumped off a pass to a wide-open Deandre Ayton, who scored on a wide-open layup.
Doncic split a double team with a slick behind-the-back dribble that drew oohs and ahhs from the Memphis crowd. The crafty finish at the rim put the Lakers up by four. Hometown fans wondered how the Grizzlies were staying so close when it felt like Doncic had the game on a string.
While Doncic was carrying the Lakers, the Grizzlies (3-3) fought back as a unit.
Memphis answered with 19 consecutive points. Six different players scored during the run as the Grizzlies led by 16 at halftime.
Doncic had no trouble responding. He opened the third quarter with a three-pointer. Reaves followed with another. The Lakers flipped the halftime deficit to a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter despite playing the entire second half without Ayton.
When Ayton returned to the sideline with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, trainers continued to work on his back. The team didn’t provide an immediate update on the starting center who finished with 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
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