Hold on to your hats, basketball fans! Luka Doncic put on an absolute show, dropping a whopping 43 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome a balanced Lakers attack led by LeBron James and Austin Reaves as the Lakers triumphed over the Clippers in a pivotal NBA Cup matchup. Who knew the NBA Cup could deliver such drama? The final score? A decisive 135-118 victory for the Lakers, solidifying their grip on West Group B. But here's where it gets controversial... Did the Clippers' frustration boil over, leading to a late-game ejection that ultimately sealed their fate?
Published on November 26, 2025, this game was more than just another regular-season contest. It was a statement. Doncic's incredible performance, including 24 points in the first quarter alone, showcased his offensive prowess. He also dished out 13 assists and grabbed nine rebounds, nearly achieving a triple-double. Talk about filling up the stat sheet! The Lakers' victory marked their fifth consecutive win, demonstrating their growing momentum as the season progresses.
The Lakers' success was a team effort, with Doncic, Reaves, and James combining for an impressive 99 points. Austin Reaves, in particular, exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of his 31 points. He also contributed nine rebounds, proving his value beyond just scoring. LeBron James, ever the steady hand, added 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his all-around game. Rui Hachimura chipped in with 13 points, further highlighting the Lakers' depth. The Lakers shot an impressive 57.5% from the field and 44.8% from beyond the arc, making 13 of their 29 attempts. Doncic himself had a season-best of seven 3-pointers.
While the Lakers celebrated their 3-0 record in NBA Cup play, the Clippers fell to 2-1. However, the Clippers are still in contention for a wild-card spot, meaning their NBA Cup journey isn't necessarily over. They need to regroup and find their rhythm if they want to advance.
On the Clippers' side, James Harden led the charge with 29 points and nine assists. Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn each contributed 19 points, while John Collins added 18 points. Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the Clippers struggled to contain the Lakers' offense, especially in the fourth quarter. The Clippers shot 51.9% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range.
And this is the part most people miss... The game took a heated turn late in the fourth quarter when Kris Dunn was ejected after shoving the basketball into Doncic’s chest and then hitting Jaxson Hayes, who had pushed Dunn from behind, in the face with an open hand. Hayes received a technical foul. This incident underscores the intensity and physicality of the game, especially when emotions run high. Could this ejection be a symptom of deeper issues within the Clippers team?
The Lakers seized control in the fourth quarter. A 14-4 run, fueled by seven points from Reaves, extended their lead to 112-97. Reaves continued his hot streak, scoring five consecutive points to push the lead to 117-102 with just under seven minutes remaining. While the Clippers managed to close the gap to 124-115 with 2:55 left, the Lakers responded with a decisive 9-0 run to secure the victory.
Despite Doncic's explosive 24-point first quarter, where he drained five 3-pointers, the Lakers trailed 38-37 entering the second quarter. Doncic had a blistering 32 points by halftime, but the Lakers held a narrow 69-66 lead. Harden contributed 16 points for the Clippers in the first half.
In the third quarter, a basket by James gave the Lakers an 82-72 lead with 8:30 remaining. However, the Clippers answered with an 11-0 run, taking an 83-82 lead on Leonard's basket with 5:31 left. The Lakers quickly regained the lead, and a three-point play by James gave them a 98-93 advantage heading into the final quarter.
So, Lakers fans, are you feeling confident about your team's chances in the NBA Cup? And Clippers supporters, what adjustments do you think your team needs to make to turn things around? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the ejection of Dunn was justified, or was it an overreaction by the referees? This game certainly gave us plenty to talk about!
