Sun Oct 26 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Doncic Explodes for 49, Shatters Record as Lakers Dominate Timberwolves
LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic delivered a historic performance Friday night, scoring 49 points to lead the Lakers to a commanding 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The performance not only secured a crucial win but also shattered Jerry West’s 56-year-old franchise record for points scored through the first two games of a season. Doncic’s 92 points eclipses West’s previous mark of 81.
The Lakers bounced back from their season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors with a significantly improved offensive showing. They shot 59.2% from the field and a blistering 41.4% from three-point range, a marked improvement from Tuesday’s game.
Doncic’s dominance was evident from the opening quarter, where he tied a team record with 23 points. He finished the game shooting 14-for-23 from the field, 5-for-12 from beyond the arc, and a stellar 16-for-19 from the free-throw line, adding 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
“I wish we won the first game, but obviously it’s a good comeback,” Doncic said after the game. “I think Minnesota is a great team. We had to do a lot to win today. But myself, I feel great. I want to win every game.”
He wasn’t alone in the offensive onslaught. Austin Reaves contributed a double-double with 25 points and 11 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 23 points. Deandre Ayton chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Lakers outscored the Timberwolves 72-54 in the middle two quarters, effectively taking control of the game. Coach JJ Redick even noted the team’s improved third-quarter performance, a point of emphasis after their loss to the Warriors.
Redick playfully chided Doncic during a late timeout for being stuck at 48 points, showcasing the team’s desire to see their star reach the 50-point mark. While Doncic fell just short, his performance was nothing short of spectacular.
“He dominates the whole game so easily,” Hachimura said of Doncic. “And it’s not some random team we played against. They’re a Western Conference finals team. So this is crazy.”
Ayton, playing in his first game as a Laker, echoed the sentiment, stating he was “shocked” by Doncic’s performance and found himself wondering, “When is he going to miss?”
First Piper 