Luka Doncic Enjoyed Atmosphere At Crypto.com Arena In Lakers Playoff Debut

The Los Angeles Lakers had been on the improper finish of a 117-95 blowout to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Recreation 1 of the Western Convention Quarterfinals at Crypto.com on Saturday night time.

Luka Doncic instantly took management of the sport as he scored the primary six factors and completed with 16 within the first 12 minutes to offer the Lakers an early lead. The 26-year-old led all scorers with 37 factors on 12-of-22 taking pictures by the tip of the competition.

Doncic isn’t any stranger to the NBA playoffs, however Recreation 1 was his first postseason sport as a member of the Lakers and he appreciated the assist from the followers at Crypto.com Enviornment despite the fact that the workforce didn’t play nicely.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Doncic stated after the sport. “Sorry we couldn’t get the first win. But it’s always first to four. It was amazing. The crowd was amazing. They were cheering for us even when we were down, so I appreciate it.”

Though it was a disappointing consequence for the Lakers, they must be thrilled with how Doncic performed in his first playoff sport with the workforce.

L.A. acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks with the hope he might be a distinction maker for years to return, and the five-time All-Star confirmed a glimpse of what that might seem like on Saturday night time.

To Doncic’s credit score, he acknowledged that he must do extra playmaking after ending with one help towards the Timberwolves. “I try to set the tone but obviously one assist, that’s not good enough for me,” Doncic admitted.

Luka Doncic: Lakers ‘let go of the rope’ in Recreation 1 loss to Timberwolves

Lakers head coach JJ Redick felt his workforce didn’t match Minnesota’s physicality, and Doncic echoed that when discussing what went improper after the primary quarter.

“Definitely. I think in the first quarter we played the way we play. We were playing physical, and then we just kind of let go of the rope,” Doncic stated. “So, we have to be way more physical. It’s 48 minutes, and every possession matters.”

Doncic is optimistic that the Lakers will bounce again in Recreation 2 on Tuesday. “I think just playing our game. Playing the way we know how to play,” Doncic stated.

“Very physical, giving energy on the defense end, getting out in transition and playing our game.”

Doncic is without doubt one of the greatest postseason performers in league historical past, however he can’t win this sequence alone so others might want to present up.

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