On a starry night, Deandre Ayton led the Los Angeles Lakers to a resounding victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking the close of the first half of the regular season with a nearly perfect defensive performance, culminating in a score of 110-93. Ayton, who was absent from Saturday’s game due to left knee discomfort, returned strongly on Sunday, accumulating 25 points and 13 rebounds without turnovers, with an impressive 10-of-10 field goal shooting efficiency. This historic performance made him the first player in team history to reach or surpass 25 points with 100% shooting efficiency and zero turnovers in a game, since turnovers began to be officially recorded in the 1977-78 season. That’s great. I definitely give credit to my teammates. They find me in the easiest positions, and tonight I had some easy ones, for sure. Ayton also joined a select group of players in franchise history, being the third player to achieve at least 10 field goals without missing and grabbing at least 10 rebounds, emulating legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Mitch Kupchak.
Ayton’s outstanding performance was crucial for the Lakers, who came into the game having lost five of their last six games. In addition, the Los Angeles team limited the Raptors to only 93 points, the fewest allowed to their opponents so far this season.It’s something I never thought I’d be a part of. I feel honored and grateful, but I love this game, so I hope to have more of those moments.
Deandre Ayton
Luka Doncic, with 25 points and seven assists, and LeBron James, with 24 points and seven assists, also contributed to the victory, bringing the Los Angeles record to 25-16.It was phenomenal. It’s huge for our team.
JJ Redick, Lakers coach
The Lakers will start the second half of the season with an eight-game road trip, beginning Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets.Well, it’s not a bad record. Obviously, it could be better, but sometimes we play like that and we play against Atlanta. It gives us a better chance to win. So we just have to look at those two games and play like that.
Luka Doncic
We get paid to do this. There should be no excuses. I know it’s going to be a lot of traveling, but we get paid to do this and I love it.
Luka Doncic
