Luka Doncic stats vs. Timberwolves: Dominant first half helps Lakers even series in Game 2

Daniel Chavkin

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Luka Doncic stats vs. Timberwolves: Dominant first half helps Lakers even series in Game 2 image

After losing a disappointing Game 1 on Saturday, the Lakers entered Tuesday looking to salvage a split with the Timberwolves in the first two games of the series. They did just that, defeating Minnesota 94-85.

Los Angeles came out strong, out-scoring Minnesota by 19 in the first quarter of the contest. No player was hotter, though, than Luka Doncic, who led the way for the Lakers as they took a commanding lead early in the game.

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Doncic scored 37 points in the loss on Saturday, and he kept up his impressive play when Los Angeles needed it most on Tuesday. While Minnesota made a run to cut into the lead late in the second half, Doncic's play is a big reason why the Lakers went into halftime up 58-43.

While Doncic's second half wasn't as strong as his first, it was enough for the Lakers to win their first game of the series. Los Angeles now heads to Minnesota tied 1-1 with the Timberwolves.

Here's how Doncic performed in Game 2 against the Timberwolves.

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Luka Doncic stats vs. Timberwolves

Doncic was once again the focal point of the Lakers offense, leading all scorers ate halftime after scoring a game-high 37 points in Game 1. With Los Angeles needing a win to avoid going down 0-2 heading back to Minnesota, Doncic made sure he was on his best game early.

The Laker had a huge first half, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and 22 in the first half, along with five rebounds and five assists. However, Doncic slowed down in the second half as his teammates picked him up.

Here's a look at Doncic's performance on Tuesday night.

  • Minutes: 41
  • Points: 31
  • Rebounds: 12
  • Assists: 9
  • FGM/FGA: 9/20
  • 3PM/3PA: 2/8
  • FTM/FTA: 11/11

Luka Doncic season stats

Doncic played just 50 games between the Mavericks and Lakers this year, the least number of games he's played in a season since entering the league. Still, the Los Angeles star had another high level season, even though he was traded in the middle.

  • PPG: 28.2
  • RPG: 8.1
  • APG: 7.5
  • FG%: 45.0%
  • 3P%: 36.8%
  • FT%: 78.2%

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.