Doncic, Spurs lead Western Conference as Lakers, San Antonio extend winning streaks
Luka Doncic recorded 32 points and 10 assists in a 124-114 win, while Victor Wembanyama added 40 points in a 122-96 victory.
By Giulia Donovan ·
The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs control the top of the Western Conference standings following a series of road victories on Monday.
Luka Doncic scored 32 points to lead the Lakers past the Atlanta Hawks, 124-114. The win moved Los Angeles to a 10-2 record. Atlanta fell to 7-5. The Lakers secured their sixth straight win in the process.
Doncic added 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals, and two blocks to his scoring total. He averages 40 points per game this season. Coach JJ Redick noted that Doncic handled the ball control duties well despite the absence of a secondary creator. Redick called the performance of bench scorer Sandro Mamukelashvili his best for the team. Mamukelashvili finished with 23 points and five three-pointers. Walker Kessler added 21 points, while Collin Sexton contributed 18. Ziaire Williams scored 12. Austin Reaves missed the game with an illness, and Quentin Grimes sat out with an injury.
San Antonio defeated the Phoenix Suns 122-96 to improve to 9-2. The Spurs extended their winning streak to nine games. Victor Wembanyama recorded 40 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and three assists. He follows a previous performance where he scored a career-high 52 points. Coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama found open spots to score. Johnson also credited his teammates for getting the ball to him at the right times.
The Golden State Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 138-87 to reach an eight-game winning streak. Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski each scored 25 points. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 23 points. Golden State moved to an 8-3 record.
John Collins scored 24 points in a 122-111 win for Detroit over Washington. The Pistons improved to 7-3. Memphis also reached a 7-3 record with a 118-102 victory over Toronto. Cleveland lost 124-112 to Charlotte.
Houston defeated Denver 110-100 to snap a two-game losing skid. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 23 points, and Alperen Sengun added 20. Jamal Murray scored 38 points for the Nuggets.
