Warriors Lock Down Luka Dončić in Shocking Upset Over Lakers
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers, boasting one of the strongest home records in the Western Conference, were hoping to solidify their playoff standing in Thursday night’s high-stakes clash against the Golden State Warriors. Instead, they walked away with a tough 123-116 loss — and a visibly frustrated Luka Dončić.
Following the game, Dončić sat at his locker, head down, scrolling through his phone in silence before facing the media. His demeanor reflected the night’s events as he openly took responsibility for his lackluster showing.
“I think the Warriors played great defense, and we didn’t trust each other enough out there,” Dončić admitted during his postgame press conference. “That performance from me was unacceptable. When I play like that, it’s hard for us to win.”
Dončić finished the game with 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in nearly 38 minutes of play. But his shooting woes were glaring — he went just 6-of-17 from the field and missed all six of his three-point attempts. Despite converting all seven of his free throws, it was clear that the All-Star guard was out of rhythm for most of the night.
“It’s always frustrating when you can’t help your team,” Dončić said. “But it’s not always about scoring. I try to impact the game in other ways.”
Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged that it simply wasn’t Dončić’s night, especially with the Warriors putting significant pressure on him defensively. In the closing minutes, Dončić was limited to just two points, with Golden State ramping up its efforts.
Warriors forward Draymond Green credited Jimmy Butler for neutralizing Dončić late in the game. “Jimmy stayed in front of him and forced him into tough spots,” Green explained. “He drove into me, and I was able to challenge without giving him the and-one. It was just about making the right play at the right time.”
The loss was a setback for the Lakers — and for Dončić personally — as the team continues to fight for position in the crowded Western Conference race.
