Luka Doncic stats tonight: How did Lakers star fare in rivalry clash vs Celtics? (March 8)

The LA Lakers and Boston Celtics added another chapter to their storied rivalry on Saturday night, this time featuring Luka Doncic in purple and gold. The Slovenian star, who faced the Celtics in last season’s NBA Finals, was looking for redemption — this time alongside LeBron James, with the Lakers riding an eight-game winning streak.

Boston took over in the third quarter, and with James exiting in the second half due to a groin strain, Doncic led the Lakers’ charge in the fourth. However, the Celtics held firm, sealing a 111-101 victory.

Doncic got off to a slow start, recording more turnovers (two) than made field goals (one) in the opening quarter. Despite missing two key starters in Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers jumped out to a 14-6 lead, but the Celtics responded, evening the score at 33-all by the end of the first quarter.

Doncic knocked down his second field goal midway through the second quarter, hitting another 3-pointer in a tightly contested battle. He followed it up with two free throws and a layup, fueling a personal 7-2 run that put the Lakers ahead 47-44.

However, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum took control for Boston, combining for nine points in the final minutes of the half. Tatum punctuated the run with a dunk, sending the Celtics into halftime with a 58-54 advantage.

Boston dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 29-13. Doncic carried the Lakers’ offense, scoring nine straight points until the final two minutes when James and Dalton Knecht added baskets. However, Tatum closed the period with a 3-pointer, giving the Celtics a commanding 87-67 lead.

Doncic led a late push in the fourth, helping the Lakers trim the deficit to just four, 96-92, with his scoring and playmaking. But the Celtics shut down any further rally, closing the game on a 15-9 run to snap the Lakers’ winning streak.

Doncic finished with a team-high 34 points, while James added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves contributed 16 points.

Below are Luka Doncic’s full stats from the game.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Luka Doncic	36:42	34	8	3	11	22	50.0	5	10	50.0	7	8	87.5	1	7	1	0	5	2	-19

Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown poured in 31 points and grabbed six boards.

Lakers hope Luka Doncic will be part of Celtics rivalry for next decade

NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Saturday that Luka Doncic has recently moved into his Los Angeles home and has grown to appreciate how the Lakers have welcomed him, including seeking his input on team decisions. Charania shared on ABC’s NBA Countdown:

"He just moved in a few days ago in Los Angeles. This is just over a month from getting traded. But the most important part for Luka Doncic has been what he's told people around him, as well as Jeannie Buss, the Lakers owner, which is that he's felt more and more appreciative and comfortable with how the Lakers have surrounded him with support, with inclusion in the process of everything. "

"This has been a true partnership that they're trying to develop, and that means a lot for his long-term future for the Lakers. They hope he's gonna be a part of this next decade of Lakers-Celtics rivalry games. “

Following their loss to the Celtics, the Lakers continue their road trip with upcoming matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.