Doncic’s 53-point night lifts Lakers past Trail Blazers

Doncic sealed the Lakers’ win with a jumper in the lane with 28 seconds remaining. Portland had cut a 12-point deficit to four, but Doncic and Austin Reaves scored 10 points between them in the closing moments. Reaves finished with 25 points, while Walker Kessler had 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Los Angeles fell 16 points behind in the second quarter, then took control with a 17-point run in the third. Doncic scored 20 in that period and reached 40 points for the sixth time in seven games. His 53-point performance was his 11th career game with at least 50 points and his fourth for Los Angeles. He also recorded five assists and five rebounds.

Portland’s Deni Avdija posted 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds; Damian Lillard also scored 22. The Trail Blazers lost for just the second time this season, ending a four-game road trip. The Lakers’ victory avenged their 136-129 defeat to Portland on October 27 and came in NBA Cup play. Doncic became the fourth Laker to score 40 or more points in four consecutive regular-season games, joining Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant and George Mikan. Portland hosts San Antonio on November 7; Los Angeles visits Detroit on November 8.