Luka Doncic records triple-double as Lakers close gap in standings against Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a convincing victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (120-106), relying on a stellar Luka Doncic and a red-hot Austin Reaves in the second half. This win allows the Lakers to complete the season series sweep against Minnesota.

LIRE AUSSI

Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves Lead Lakers Past Knicks Without LeBron James

9 mars 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

Doncic delivers his seventh triple-double of the season

Luka Doncic once again demonstrated his versatility with 31 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds, recording his seventh triple-double of the season. The Slovenian completed this remarkable performance early in the fourth quarter, bringing his career total to 89 triple-doubles – the seventh-best total in NBA history.

This performance continues an excellent start to the season for Doncic, who keeps carrying the Lakers despite the absence of LeBron James. The Lakers now post a record of 40 wins and 25 losses, tying Minnesota for fourth place in the Western Conference.

Luka Doncic vs Timberwolves:
– 31 Points
– 11 Rebounds
– 11 Assists
– 3 Stocks pic.twitter.com/8Ux6EEBiLr

— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) March 11, 2026

Reaves explodes in second half, Lakers without LeBron

Austin Reaves was the X-factor in this matchup, scoring 29 of his 31 points in the second half in an offensive showcase. After a difficult start going 1-for-8 in the first half, the guard completely turned things around with 16 points in the third quarter alone, allowing the Lakers to build a 19-point lead.

Reaves hit two 4-point plays in the second half and finished with a personal record of seven made 3-pointers. This performance perfectly illustrates the Lakers’ ability to compensate for the absence of LeBron James, sidelined for the third consecutive game with an injury.

The Lakers post an impressive record of 13 wins and 8 losses without their superstar, and even 10-2 when Doncic and Reaves play together without James. On Minnesota’s side, Julius Randle scored 14 points while Anthony Edwards had a difficult night with only 14 points on 2-for-15 shooting. This loss ends a five-game winning streak for the Timberwolves.