Doncic Top Scores With 31 as Lakers Level Series with T’Wolves

Luka Doncic scored a game-high 31 points for the Los Angeles Lakers as they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 to level their Western Conference first-round play-off series at 1-1 in the NBA, last night.

Doncic sank 16 of his points in the first quarter as the home side started strongly and his overall performance also included 12 rebounds and nine assists.

LeBron James added 21 points to the Lakers’ tally as he also registered 11 rebounds, while team-mate Austin Reaves contributed 16 points.

Doncic says losing was not an option.

Luka Doncic.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 34 points but his visiting side were beaten 123-115 by the Indiana Pacers and went 2-nil down in their Eastern Conference first-round play-off series.

The Bucks had Damian Lillard back following a five-week absence and he sank a three-pointer in the latter stages of the fourth quarter to help his side reduce a 15-point deficit and draw to within two points of the Pacers at 115-113.

However, Andrew Nembhard, who scored 17 points, responded with a three-pointer for the Pacers as they held on in a game which included a first-quarter scuffle and a number of technical fouls.

Western Conference winners Oklahoma City Thunder went 2-0 up in the first-round play-off series against the Memphis Grizzlies courtesy of a comfortable 118-99 home win.