Stomach bug gets Luka Doncic off to sluggish start in Lakers-Timberwolves Game 3

Luka Doncic was off to a sluggish start in Friday's Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3. The five-time NBA All-Star lost his dribble twice on the same possession against Jaden McDaniels, who poked the ball out of Doncic's hands. On the other end, McDaniels scored over Doncic, who looked off-color in the first five minutes.

Amid Doncic's visibly low energy levels, ESPN's sideline reporter Lisa Salters reported that the Lakers superstar had dealt with a stomach bug all day before the game, which is limiting him from being his usual self.

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Doncic had his worst first quarter of the series after being limited to only 1 of 6 shots. He was a non-factor defensively, with the Timberwolves players, especially Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards, looking to attack him.

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Lakers coach JJ Redick also commented on Doncic's health, confirming that his superstar player had been "battling for 24 hours" with his condition. At the end of the opening 12 minutes, the Lakers trailed by six.

Luka Doncic didn't start the second half but returned after a minute, wearing a shirt under his jersey. The Slovenian had an underwhelming game by his standards with 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, shooting 6 of 16 and 2 of 8 from 3. Doncic committed a team-high five turnovers.

His lack of contribution was partly responsible for the Lakers dropping Game 3 with a 116-104 loss, seeing them trail 2-1 in this series with another game to go at Minnesota.

After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that Doncic threw up all afternoon and didn't get any sleep the night before because of his illness.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje