Luka Dončić needed just one game of rest. The Slovenian, recently named Western Conference Player of the Week, returned in Atlanta after missing the Detroit game due to back soreness and led the Lakers to their sixth consecutive victory. This time he fell short of 40 points, snapping a four-game streak, but recorded 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks. JJ Redick's Lakers, without Austin Reaves (illness) and Quentin Grimes (finger sprain), improved to 10-2.
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Second Quarter Dominance Builds Lead
The Lakers started strong and won the first quarter 31-22, with Dončić distributing the ball and rookie Cameron Carr scoring his first NBA points with a fast-break dunk. In the second quarter, a 16-0 run gave them a 20-point advantage. The Hawks responded before halftime and cut it to nine (68-57).
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Hawks Tighten, Dončić Responds
Atlanta won the third quarter (27-33) with three-pointers from CJ McCollum (21 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20), and stayed within striking distance in the fourth. With three and a half minutes remaining, a basket by Dyson Daniels made it 115-111. The Lakers responded with a 6-0 run that sealed the game.
Mamukelashvili, coming off the bench, posted his best mark of the season with 23 points and 5 three-pointers. Kessler added his third consecutive double-double (21 and 10) and Collin Sexton contributed 18 points and 6 assists. The Lakers forced 19 turnovers from the Hawks, who now stand at 7-5. "I think we can be much better than 21st," Dončić said about his team's defense.