Los angeles: Luka Doncic out-dueled Victor Wembanyama as the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers rallied from behind to hand the Oklahoma City Thunder their first loss of the season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the highly anticipated matchup between Doncic and Wembanyama lived up to its billing. Slovenian star Doncic delivered an impressive performance with 35 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists. He also contributed five steals and two blocked shots, leading the Lakers to a chaotic finish at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers, now 7-2, await the return of injured superstar LeBron James.
Wembanyama led the Spurs with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan each added 16 points, with seven San Antonio players scoring in double figures. However, their balanced attack fell short. Wembanyama faced foul trouble throughout the game and fouled out with 1:40 remaining as the Spurs trailed 113-112. A botched Lakers inbounds play gave the Spurs a last-second opportunity, but they failed to capitalize.
In Portland, the Trail Blazers overcame a 22-point deficit to stun the Thunder 121-119, halting Oklahoma City’s 8-0 start. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, adding 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jrue Holiday contributed 22 points. Holiday’s jump shot with 6:44 left gave the Blazers their first lead, and they clung to it despite multiple lead changes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA Most Valuable Player, led the Thunder with 35 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Aaron Wiggins added 27 points for Oklahoma City, who had led by 22 in the first quarter and by 14 late in the third.
In other NBA action, the Brooklyn Nets secured their first win of the season by defeating the injury-depleted Indiana Pacers 112-103. Michael Porter Jr. returned to score 32 points and grab 11 rebounds for the Nets. Nic Claxton added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, contributing to Brooklyn’s 23 points off 18 Pacers turnovers.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points and 10 assists in a game marked by 12 lead changes. Nets coach Jordi Fernandez expressed pride in his team’s effort, emphasizing their competitive, selfless, and connected playstyle.
The New York Knicks erupted for 83 points in the second half to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 137-114 at Madison Square Garden, spoiling Anthony Edwards’ return from a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic’s triple-double powered the Denver Nuggets past the Miami Heat 122-112. Donovan Mitchell’s 46-point effort led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 132-121 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.