Sluggish Lakers Trounced by Short-Handed Hawks to End Winning Streak
Luka Doncic scored 22 points, handed out 11 assists, and grabbed five rebounds in 27 minutes, but the Lakers fell 122-102 to an Atlanta Hawks team missing four starters.
Lakers Fail to Match Energy Against Depleted Hawks
Before the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick stressed the importance of not underestimating the short-handed Hawks, who were without four starters and five key rotation players. Despite this warning, the Lakers appeared unfocused, as Redick noticed a lack of energy and attention from his team within the first two minutes.
This defeat ended the Lakers’ five-game winning streak and their first road loss of the season, dropping their record to 7-3 overall and 4-1 on the road.
“Just not a lot to like [on Saturday night],” Redick said.
Individual Performances and Post-Game Notes
- Luka Doncic led scoring with 22 points on 4-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc, along with 11 assists and five rebounds.
- Doncic also contributed to the team's difficulties by committing five of the Lakers’ 20 turnovers.
- Marcus Smart contributed five points, two assists, and two turnovers in 21 minutes.
Neither Doncic nor Smart spoke to reporters after the game.
Author’s summary: The Lakers’ lackluster performance, marked by low energy and costly turnovers, ended their road winning streak despite Luka Doncic’s strong individual stats.