Luka Doncic once again proved his brilliance, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a narrow 118-116 victory over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers rallied to deal the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, their first loss of the season.
In their much-anticipated first encounter of the season, Slovenian standout Luka Doncic dominated with 35 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists. His all-around play included five steals and two blocks, guiding Los Angeles to a 7-2 record as they await LeBron James’s season debut.
“They only lost one other game, so to come back, being with Austin Reaves and LeBron out, it's unbelievable,” Doncic said.
Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, supported by Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan with 16 points each. Despite seven Spurs scoring in double figures, their balanced effort fell short as Wembanyama fouled out with 1:40 left, when the Spurs trailed by just one point.
In the final seconds, a misplayed Lakers inbounds pass briefly gave San Antonio a chance to steal the win, but they failed to convert.
The Portland Trail Blazers completed a surprising rally to hand the Oklahoma City Thunder their first defeat, capping a dramatic night across the league.
Doncic powered the Lakers past Wembanyama's Spurs in a tense finish, while Portland ended Oklahoma City’s perfect start to the NBA season.