MEMPHIS — Luka Doncic didn't celebrate when he dropped his first half-court lift during warmups. He didn't gloat when the coaches dutifully came onto the court to pay the price of the push-ups.
Lakers a superstar simply makes greatness seem expected.
Doncic's 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists led the Lakers to victory. victory with a score of 117-112 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at FedEx Forum, returning from a three-game absence.
The 26-year-old guard has scored 40 points in each of his three games this season. The only thing that slowed him down were injuries: a sprained left finger and a bruised left leg, suffered in the second game of the season, in which he still scored 49 points.
Doncic scored 16 points in the third quarter to lead the Lakers (4-2) to a 16-point halftime lead. Austin Reeveswho starred in Doncic's absence, finished with 20 points.
After missing the Lakers' thrilling win in Minnesota on Wednesday, Doncic returned to the team Thursday in Memphis and immediately hit the gym with his coaches and staff. He and the guard Marcus Smart (bruised left quadriceps) participated in Friday's shootaround and was immediately named to the starting lineup.
Doncic is back like he never left. He hit threes while stepping back and hopping on one leg, admiring the arc of his shot. He would spin around the double team and disappear deep into the shot clock, ready to dash Memphis' hopes with his signature jump shot. But instead of shooting, he passed the ball into a wide open area. Deandre Aytonwho scored on an open layup.
Doncic split the double team with a slick behind-the-back dribble that drew oohs and aahs from the Memphis crowd. A deft shot at the rim extended the Lakers' lead by four. Hometown fans wondered how the Grizzlies stayed so close when Doncic seemed to have the game in the balance.
While Doncic led the Lakers, the Grizzlies (3-3) fought back as a unit.
Memphis responded with 19 straight points. Six different players scored during the run, and the Grizzlies led by 16 at halftime.
Doncic had no difficulty answering. He opened the third quarter with a three-pointer. Reeves followed with another. The Lakers trimmed their halftime deficit to a two-point lead in the fourth quarter despite playing the entire second half without Ayton.
When Ayton returned to the line with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the trainers continued to work on his back. The team did not immediately provide information on the starting center, who had 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
