Western Conference Recap: Luka Doncic’s 44-Point Performance Overpowers Los Angeles Clippers

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Superstar Luka Doncic pushes the Dallas Mavericks to 7-2 on the season behind an impressive showcase. He recorded 44 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the Mavericks blowout victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. Kyrie Irving contributed 27 points on 5 of 9 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Clippers veteran stars struggled outside of Kawhi Leonard in the 144-126 loss. Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook combined for 36 points on 11 of 29 shooting. Leonard finished the game with 26 points on 53.3 percent shooting.

-The Minnesota Timberwolves claim their fifth straight victory, 117-110, against the San Antonio Spurs. The star duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 57 points and 19 rebounds on 20 of 42 shooting. Center Rudy Gobert added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama continues to thrive in the Spurs offense, scoring 29 points on 57.1 percent shooting. He also recorded nine rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in the loss.

-Despite guard Desmond Bane’s 37-point performance, the Memphis Grizzlies early-season struggles continue. They fell short to the Utah Jazz, 127-121. Outside of Bane, the Grizzlies second-leading scorer recorded 15.

Lauri Markkanen is proving last season wasn’t a fluke, wrapping up the night with 26 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Jordan Clarkson scored 26 points on 9 of 16 shooting.

-The Houston Rockets improve to 5-3 on the year after a narrow victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets balanced scoring attack proved too much for Zion Williamson and the Pelicans to handle. Alpren Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Jalen Green combined for 69 points.

Brandon Ingram struggled from three-point range but ended the night with 31 points. Williamson added 24 points and eight rebounds in New Orleans' fourth straight loss.

-Center Domantas Sabonis’ triple double led the Sacramento Kings past the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-98. Guard Kevin Huerter scored 28 points along with nine rebounds and three steals.

Outside of Shai Gilgeous Alexander, no one on the Thunder recorded more than 13 points. He finished the game with 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

-The Phoenix Suns came up short against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (122-119). James wrapped up the game with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish, and D’Angelo Russell recorded double-digit points.

The Suns lack of defense is prevalent, but their offense is thriving under Kevin Durant. Durant scored 38 points on 48.1 percent shooting, while guard Bradley Beal finished with 24 points on 9 of 17 shooting.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci

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