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oct 24 2026The first LA derby of the season was decided in a dominant third quarter where the Lakers scored 39 points. Dončić's team defeated the Clippers (117-125) at Crypto.com Arena and improved to 2-0 to start the season. Austin Reaves was the star, posting 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting with 9 assists.
An Even First Half
The Clippers came out strong. With excellent three-point shooting in the first quarter, 6-of-8 from deep, and Brook Lopez scoring easily off the bench, they closed the period ahead (31-27) and led by as much as 11 in the first half. The Lakers responded in the second quarter (33-37) and the teams went into halftime tied at 64.
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Third Quarter Breaks the Derby Wide Open
The game was decided after halftime. The Lakers dominated the third quarter 26-39, with Reaves and Kessler unstoppable, and led by as much as 15 points. By the end of the period, the score was 90-103. Kessler was decisive inside once again: after his 12-of-12 performance against the Warriors, he posted 22 points and 8 rebounds on 10-of-14 shooting. Dončić, less efficient (8-of-21), added 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Clippers won the fourth quarter (27-22), but it wasn't enough to get back in the game. Darius Garland led the Clippers with 26 points and 6 assists, and Lopez added 22 on 8-of-9 shooting. Baba Miller remained on the bench due to a coaching decision.
