Doncic Drops 44 in Heroic Comeback
The Los Angeles Lakers stunned the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night with a dramatic 117-112 victory, powered by
Luka Doncic’s explosive return after a three-game injury absence. Doncic, who had been sidelined with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion, wasted no time reminding fans why he’s one of the NBA’s brightest stars—racking up
44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in a performance that left Memphis scrambling.
Austin Reaves chipped in with 21 points, while Jake LaRavia added 13, helping the Lakers secure a crucial win in the opening game of the NBA Cup for both teams.
Grizzlies’ Second-Quarter Surge Fizzles
The Grizzlies looked poised for victory after a
massive second-quarter rally, outscoring the Lakers 42-24 and building a 69-55 halftime lead thanks to a 27-4 run in the closing minutes of the half. Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells led Memphis with 16 points each, and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 15. However,
Ja Morant struggled, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, though he did dish out seven assists.
Lakers Flip the Script in the Second Half
With Doncic orchestrating the offense, the Lakers erased Memphis’s lead in the first seven minutes of the third quarter, setting the stage for a tense battle marked by
14 lead changes and seven ties. Doncic poured in 16 points in the third alone, and the Lakers finally pulled away in the fourth, showcasing their resilience and depth even without LeBron James, who remains sidelined with right sciatica.
Key Takeaways and What’s Next
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Luka Doncic’s dominance: This marks his 11th straight game scoring at least 25 against Memphis, cementing his reputation as a Grizzlies killer.
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LeBron James still out: The Lakers continue to manage without their veteran leader, but Doncic’s return has injected new life into the squad.
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Ja Morant’s struggles: Memphis will need more from their star guard if they hope to bounce back in upcoming games.
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NBA Cup implications: The Lakers start Cup play with a statement win, while Memphis will look to regroup as they head to Toronto on Sunday.
Expert Commentary
As a longtime NBA observer, it’s hard not to be impressed by Doncic’s ability to take over games, especially coming off injury. The Lakers’ depth was on full display, and their ability to rally from a double-digit deficit on the road speaks volumes about their championship aspirations. For Memphis, the second-quarter explosion showed their potential, but inconsistency and Morant’s off night proved costly.
Future Implications
The Lakers host Miami next, riding high on Doncic’s momentum. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, face a tough road test in Toronto. With the NBA Cup underway, every game counts—and if Friday’s thriller is any indication, fans are in for a wild ride.
Sources
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Live Score and Stats
2. Lakers vs. Grizzlies Final Score: LeBron James leads Lakers to victory
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies | NBA on NBC | 10/31/25
4. Player Grades: Lakers vs. Grizzlies - Silver Screen and Roll
5. NBA LIVE! LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
6. Los Angeles Lakers - Bleacher Report
7. Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights
8. LakersNation.com | The Largest Lakers Fan Site on the Planet
9. NBA News, Scores, Stats, Standings and Rumors - CBS Sports
10. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video ...
11. Bleacher Nation | Chicago Sports News, Rumors, and Analysis
