Luka Doncic stats tonight: How did the Lakers superstar fare against Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets (Mar. 19)

On Wednesday, Luka Doncic erupted for 31 points with 25 of them coming in the first half as the LA Lakers decimated the Denver Nuggets 120-108. Playing without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the visitors were thoroughly outplayed by the Purple and Gold on both ends of the floor. Doncic was key in the team's dominant 73-59 first-half display that set the tone for the win.

Doncic started by assisting Jaxson Hayes as LA drew first blood. Later, he went on a shooting spree, making 25 of the Lakers' 73 points. He shot 8-for-14 from the field and 6-for-8 from the deep, and he also had three rebounds and four assists. The Lakers beat the Nuggets on 3-point shooting, 63.2% to 38.5%, to gain a solid lead at halftime.

He ended his evening with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block in 32 minutes of action. He went 10-21 from the field, 4-for-9 from the deep, and 7-for-10 from the charity stripe. The win marks the third on the bounce for the Lakers that also saw them take the No. 3 spot in the West.

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JJ Redick reacts to Luka Doncic's impact performance vs Nuggets

JJ Redick was all praise for Luka Doncic after his impressive first-quarter outing that helped the Lakers set a foundation for a comprehensive win over the Nuggets. Speaking to the reporters in the postgame press conference, he said:

"I don't know what it was exactly in Dallas, but I know he had a number of big first quarters for them... this is kinda what he does and has done throughout his career. We want him to be aggressive no matter what, but he's gonna play the right way."

Up next, Luka Doncic and the in-form Lakers face the Milwaukee Bucks as part of their back-to-back set.