Luka Doncic credited the Los Angeles Lakers’ improved ball movement and execution against double-teams after recording 42 points and 13 assists in Monday’s 138-117 victory over the Miami Heat.
The Lakers finished with 39 assists, their most since JJ Redick became head coach, as they improved to 6-2. Doncic said the team’s ability to find open teammates has improved since the start of the season.
“I think we’re sharing the ball really well,” Doncic said. “They obviously put two on me, so we just share the ball. I mean, it’s 39 assists, which is not bad.”
The Lakers had struggled to execute against double-teams earlier in the season, but Doncic saw a clear improvement against Miami.
“At the beginning of the season, we didn’t execute well, the double-team,” he said. “But as you saw today, I think we improved a lot. Everybody was in the right spots.”
Doncic emphasized that the response requires contributions from the entire lineup, not just the player receiving the initial pass.
“It’s not just me, I think it’s everybody,” he said. “Just to be in the right spot, be aggressive, and shoot with confidence.”
He also praised Walker Kessler, who recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double. Doncic called the center “a big key” for the Lakers and said his performances give the team “a way better chance to win.”
“We just need to keep going like this,” Doncic said. “Like we told you, we have his back. Obviously he’s not going to play every game great, but what he’s been doing, it’s helping us win a lot.”
The Lakers had won back-to-back games against Toronto and Miami after losing to Golden State earlier in the week. Doncic said the team approaches every matchup believing it can win, while stressing the importance of learning from defeats.
“We’re going to fight till the end,” he said. “Obviously, you’re not going to win every game, so you need to learn from those losses and keep moving.”
Doncic also acknowledged his recent scoring run, which includes at least 37 points in five consecutive games and four 40-point performances in his last five appearances.
“Oh, it feels good,” he said. “Obviously when we win, it feels way better and there’s only important stuff.”
Asked about tying Jerry West on the NBA’s list of players with the most 40-point games, Doncic said the milestone was a source of pride.
“I still have a lot of work ahead to do that, but it feels very good to hear that name that you pass it, so it’s a pride,” he said.
The Lakers visit Sacramento on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
