Happy birthday, Luka: Doncic dazzles as Lakers top Clippers for 5th straight win

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Celebrating his 26th birthday, Luka Doncic turns in his second-highest scoring performance since his trade to Los Angeles as the Lakers continue their winning streak

Luka Doncic scored 31 points and LeBron James added 28 points with 13 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to five games with a 106-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, February 28 (Saturday, March 1, Manila time).

The Lakers were able to regroup with 29 bench points after losing Austin Reaves to a first-quarter calf injury. Los Angeles already was without starting forward Rui Hachimura, who came away with a left knee strain against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.

Doncic, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, delivered his second-highest scoring game in the seven he has played in a Lakers uniform. An addition at the trade deadline, Doncic has averaged 25.8 points over the past four games.

Ivica Zubac scored 27 points with 16 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 21 points for the Clippers, who have lost four of five since the All-Star break.

James Harden scored 18 points for the Clippers on 5-of-22 shooting from the floor, including 1 of 10 from three-point range, and had 6 turnovers with 9 assists. He was 1 of 13 from the floor in the second half.

Kris Dunn, starting for the Clippers in place of leading scorer Norman Powell (knee), had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.

The Lakers improved to 2-1 series against the Clippers and are set to play host to the finale of the season series on Sunday.

Through a tight first half, the Lakers opened a 59-54 lead at the break and led 83-77 through three quarters. Doncic scored 8 consecutive points for the Lakers, including a pair of three-pointers, to put the Lakers up 98-88 with 6:23 remaining.

A quick 8-0 run brought the Clippers within 98-96 with 5:01 left before layups by Doncic and Gabe Vincent put the Lakers up 102-96 with 4:23 on the clock.

Leonard missed a three-pointer that would have brought the Clippers within a point with 21.5 seconds remaining, and Bogdan Bogdanovic missed another three-point attempt with 10 seconds remaining for the Clippers. – Rappler.com