Luka Doncic Stats Tonight: Lakers superstar endures awful shooting night but makes amends with playmaking vs Spurs (Mar. 17)

LAA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic was in action in Monday's contest against the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs. Doncic has struggled with various injuries, but that didn't limit him from playing back-to-back. LA also had some breathing room for this matchup as it wasn't on the road, unlike last week's set against the Bucks and Nuggets on Thursday and Friday.

Doncic optimized that window to play, which was critical, considering the Lakers need to stack some wins after losing four in a row before Sunday's win against the Phoenix Suns.

Luka Doncic stats tonight vs. Spurs (Mar. 17)

Doncic had another 10+point first quarter to begin the game against the Spurs. He had 12 in 10 minutes on 2 of 5 shots, including 1 of 3 from deep. Doncic added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. He was 7 of 7 from the free throw line, ensuring he found ways to get on the scoreboard after struggling with his shot.

Doncic had a similar second quarter, where he played more as a distributor because of the defensive coverage thrown at him. The Spurs blitzed him nearly every trip down the floor, making it difficult for him to make his shots. Nevertheless, it made Doncic's job as a playmaker much simpler after he drew two defenders on the ball.

Doncic finished the first half with 16 points despite shooting 3 of 9, including 1 of 5 from 3. He went to the free throw line 11 times, making nine shots. Doncic added six rebounds, five assists and two steals. He was a +/- +11, with the Lakers leading 65-51.

Luka Doncic's efficiency went from bad to worse as the Spurs refused to move away from their blitzing. In the third quarter, Doncic missed all of his seven attempts, adding only one point, coming from the free throw line. He was 3 of 16 from the floor and 10 of 13 from the FT line. Doncic missed six shots from the 3-point range.

He added six assists and three rebounds, though, ensuring he was torching the Spurs with his playmaking after they doubled him on every possession.

Luka Doncic found some rhythm with his shot in the fourth after he made 2 of 2 shots to finish and finished the night with 21 points on 5 of 20 shooting, including 1 of 7 from 3 and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. He ended with a near-triple double, adding nine rebounds and 13 assists. Doncic also had three steals and one block. He committed three turnovers.