Key Takeaways:
- Luka Doncic notched his seventh triple-double this season with 31 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds
- Austin Reaves delivered 29 of his 31 points after half-time, helping the Lakers complete a season sweep of Minnesota
- The Lakers drew level with the Timberwolves for fourth in the Western Conference after securing their third consecutive win over Minnesota
Match Overview
Luka Doncic produced a sensational display at Crypto.com Arena, registering 31 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds for his seventh triple-double of the campaign as the Los Angeles Lakers powered past the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-106 on Tuesday night. With LeBron James absent for a third successive match due to injury, the Lakers completed a season sweep against Minnesota and moved level with them for fourth place in the fiercely contested Western Conference.
Stacking wins 💪 pic.twitter.com/TvVjpNEPFO
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 11, 2026
Second-Half Surge Inspired by Reaves
The Lakers struggled offensively in the first half, scoring only 16 points in the opening quarter and making just four of their first 21 shots. Austin Reaves, who managed just one field goal from eight attempts in the opening 24 minutes, exploded after the interval. He registered 16 points in the third quarter alone, fueling a Lakers run that extended their lead to 19 points. Reaves eventually tallied 31 points – equalling Doncic’s total – including a season-best seven three-pointers and two pivotal four-point plays in the second half.
Key Player Performances and Statistics
Doncic, now with 89 career triple-doubles – the seventh-most in NBA history – secured his latest just into the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, providing a much-needed inside presence as both his typical back-up centres remained sidelined.
The Lakers, even in James’ absence, have maintained impressive form, improving their record to 13-8 without the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and 10-2 when both Doncic and Reaves are in the line-up without James. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards both had 14 points for the Timberwolves, but Edwards endured a challenging shooting night, converting just two of 15 attempts. Minnesota’s bench offered bright spots, with four players reaching double digits, though it was not enough to avoid a second consecutive defeat following their previous five-game winning run.
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | Los Angeles Lakers | 31 | 11 | 11 |
| Austin Reaves | Los Angeles Lakers | 31 | 8 | 7 |
| Deandre Ayton | Los Angeles Lakers | 14 | 2 | 12 |
| Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | 14 | 4 | 2 |
| Julius Randle | Minnesota Timberwolves | 14 | 2 | 7 |
Looking Ahead
The Timberwolves are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the second encounter of their four-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Lakers will be back in action at home hosting Chicago on Thursday.
