Luka Doncic recorded his 10th triple-double this season as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the LA Lakers 119-115. The 23-year-old Slovenian tallied 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists in 53 minutes. Although Dallas had a 19-point lead in the opening quarter, they needed double overtime to seal the victory. This win follows two consecutive losses, placing them fourth in the Western Conference, while LeBron James’ Lakers are 13th. Doncic commented, “It was a very physical game. Two overtimes, a lot of minutes, you had to stay focused. Energy was a bit low after two overtimes, but we managed to push through.

” Doncic tied the game at 101-101 in regulation time and forced a second extra period with a clutch 3-pointer. Christian Wood contributed 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 22 points. In other games that night, the Boston Celtics secured a 109-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets to extend their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference with their fifth straight win. The Nets were missing Kevin Durant due to a sprained right knee ligament, an injury suffered in their previous game against the Miami Heat. Celtics’ Marcus Smart, who had 16 points and six rebounds, stated, “We get out and run, it’s hard for people to stop it.” Gabe Vincent scored a career-high 28 points as the Miami Heat defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 108-102, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite Damian Lillard’s 50-point performance, the Portland Trail Blazers fell short against the Cleveland Cavaliers as Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points.