The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 115-107 in a challenging game, even though their starting center, Deandre Ayton, was injured and left before halftime. While superstar guard Luka Doncic put up a lot of points again, he also found himself in another confrontation with the referees, a trend that has defined his season. Following the game, he tackled the subject head-on.

“I’ll try to get that one back,” Doncic said of the technical, which came in the second quarter. “The only thing I said I got hit in the arm twice, and I shouldn’t get a tech for that.”

Here’s what happened. With 0:52 to go before the halftime break, Doncic drew an and-one foul on Nuggets forward Spencer Jones, but the foul wasn’t immediately called, leading Doncic to tell the refs that he was hit. He was immediately charged with a technical foul, which Jamal Murray then cashed in with his free throw.

Doncic was clear in his belief that his words didn’t warrant a technical in the first place, because he was simply communicating that he had been fouled.

This marks his 13th technical of the season, which inches him close to the dreaded 16th mark, which would trigger an automatic suspension. He’s only second to Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who sits at 14 for the season.

Apart from the suspension, Doncic is also going to have to pay a $4,000 fine, which isn’t as much of a concern for someone on a max contract like him.

Due to the Lakers’ uneven stretch over the course of the season, Doncic has become the subject of a lot of criticism from both media and fans for complaining to officials, with Charlotte Hornets announcer Eric Collins openly calling him a “whiner” on the broadcast. However, on nights like tonight, when his performance is as good as it was, this becomes a lot more forgivable.

Lakers Rally From 16 Down as Luka Doncic Delivers Triple-Double Masterclass

The Lakers relied heavily on Luka Doncic from the opening tip tonight, and it showed in the box-score. He finished the game with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, keeping LA within striking distance as Denver controlled the first half. Jamal Murray delivered a blistering first half, helping the Nuggets build a double-digit lead before hitting a 56-foot buzzer beater to send it to 71-57 at halftime.

The tone shifted immediately after the break. LA erased a 16-point deficit early in the third, ripping off a 13-0 run fueled by solid defense and quick decision-making on offense. LeBron James delivered timely buckets to keep the Lakers within two possessions as the fourth quarter began, even with Denver trying to steady itself.

Execution down the stretch made the big difference. Doncic gave LA their first lead of the night with a pair of free throws, and the Nuggets completely unraveled with a scoring drought and multiple turnovers. Marcus Smart capitalized on this with clutch free throws down the stretch and a corner three, before James shut the door with a powerful dunk to hand the Nuggets their second straight loss.

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