James is absent! Doncic records 38+10+10 but fails to save the team, Lakers lose to Spurs and miss out on 4 consecutive wins

On January 8th, in the 25-26 NBA regular season, the Spurs beat the Lakers 107-91, halting their 3-game winning streak. James was out, and Doncic posted 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, yet the Lakers still fell short.

Statistics

Lakers: Doncic with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists; Lala Vía scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds; Hayes contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds;

Spurs: Johnson scored 27 points and collected 6 rebounds; Wembanyama had 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks; Castle added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists; Fox contributed 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists;

Game Progress

At the start of the first quarter, Champagnie scored consecutively through free throws and drives, leading the Spurs to an early 11-5 run and taking the lead. The Lakers quickly responded as Doncic and Vincent each hit three-pointers, tying the score at 20-20. Towards the end of the quarter, both teams exchanged points through drives, free throws, and jump shots, keeping the game tightly contested. The first quarter ended with the Spurs leading 26-23. In the second quarter, the Spurs started with 4 straight points, but the Lakers countered with an 11-0 run sparked by Doncic, Lala Vía, and Ayton, reversing the lead. However, the Lakers’ shooting cooled down, missing several attempts, allowing the Spurs to capitalize with mid-range jumpers, free throws, and fast breaks to go on a scoring run. At halftime, the Spurs led 48-43. Doncic scored 22 points in the first half and assisted on all 7 Lakers’ assists.

After the break, both teams traded baskets early on. After Vanderbilt scored 4 consecutive points, the Lakers cut the deficit to 2 points. Then Johnson and Castle led the Spurs on a scoring spree with inside and outside shots, quickly extending their lead to 12 points. Late in the third, the Lakers tried to come back, but the Spurs maintained their momentum and held an 11-point lead going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Lakers started with a small scoring run, but the Spurs responded swiftly when Wembanyama dunked, pushing their lead to 13 points. In the closing minutes, Doncic led the Lakers’ rally, but Johnson and Castle hit consecutive shots to secure the win for the Spurs.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Doncic, Ayton, Smart, Vanderbilt, Lala Vía

Spurs: Fox, Champagnie, Barnes, Castle, Cornette