Luka Doncic ‘decided’ to make his 61-foot heave punctuating 53-point effort in win over Blazers

Detailed summary

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers were trailing by double digits in the final seconds of a tough first half against Portland when Doncic took ...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers were trailing by double digits in the final seconds of a tough first half against Portland when Doncic took a few dribbles, stopped in the far free-throw circle and heaved a glorious 61-footer off the backboard and in.

Doncic has done all types of magic during his spectacular start to the Lakers’ season, but this epic buzzer-beater was much more than simply the most memorable moment from his 53-point performance in the Lakers’ 124-118 win Friday night.

“I think it changes the whole energy in the team and in the gym,” Doncic said. “I thought it was an important shot to make — so that’s why I decided to make it.”

A sly smile creeped onto Doncic’s face with that playful boast — but after the NBA’s leading scorer topped 40 points for the sixth time in seven games, after he surpassed 50 points for the second time already this season, it…

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