Luka Doncic’s Stomach Bug Hampers Lakers in Game 3 Loss to Timberwolves

Luka Doncic’s Stomach Bug Hampers Lakers in Game 3 Loss to Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS – In a game that was supposed to be a showcase of the Los Angeles Lakers’ prowess, the team found itself grappling with an unexpected setback. Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ star player, was hit with a stomach ailment just 24 hours before their crucial Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Lakers coach JJ Redick, Doncic was “vomiting all afternoon” leading up to the tipoff, which undoubtedly affected his performance on the court.

Doncic, who had been averaging an impressive 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the first two games of the series, was visibly not himself. He was limited to just 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers during Friday’s game. The Lakers ultimately fell to the Timberwolves with a 116-104 loss, putting them behind 2-1 in the series.

LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 38 points, the most in NBA postseason history by a player over age 40, acknowledged the impact of Doncic’s illness on the team. “Obviously, with his illness, it impacts our team,” James said. “We understand what he brings to our team and what he’s done since the acquisition. It definitely took a big blow for our team.”

Sources told ESPN that Doncic was experiencing an upset stomach and chills on Thursday, which affected his sleep that night. Despite attending the Lakers’ shootaround on Friday morning, he still felt off after a nap in the afternoon. The Lakers’ medical staff provided treatment after the game, but Doncic did not speak to reporters.

In the first two games of the series, Doncic had been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 16 points in the first quarter alone. However, it was clear on Friday that he was not at his best, managing just two points on 1-for-6 shooting (0-for-3 on 3-pointers) in the opening frame.

During the second quarter, Doncic was seen pulling the hood of his warmup jacket tightly over his head while on the bench, a sign of his discomfort. Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith expressed doubt about Doncic’s ability to continue playing after halftime. “I didn’t think he was going to come out [for the] second half,” Finney-Smith said. “Just because how he sounded. His body language. How he looked. He looked a little pale today. He probably needs to hydrate some more. But like I said, Luka’s tough.”

Despite the odds, Doncic stayed in the game, contributing nine points on 3-for-7 shooting, five rebounds, and three assists in the second half. However, he also committed three turnovers, including a crucial one when Wolves center Rudy Gobert stole the ball from him on the perimeter, eerily close to the spot where Doncic had hit a game-winning 3-pointer against Gobert in last year’s Western Conference finals.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four turnovers, praised Doncic’s effort. “He gave it everything he had tonight and played 39, 40 minutes, did everything he could do to help us win,” Reaves said. “We had an opportunity. It was a one-possession game with three minutes left, and yeah, we just couldn’t get it done.”

The Timberwolves capitalized on the Lakers’ struggles, closing on a 13-1 run to secure the victory. Beyond Doncic’s individual challenges, the Lakers were plagued by turnovers, committing 19 that resulted in 28 points for Minnesota.

• LeBron James: 38 points, most in NBA postseason history by a player over age 40.
• Luka Doncic: 17 points, 6-for-16 shooting, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 turnovers.
• Austin Reaves: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers.
• Lakers: 19 turnovers leading to 28 points for Timberwolves.

LeBron James reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “In the postseason, obviously you’re not going to play a perfect game. But the more that you make mistakes on top of mistakes, on top of mistakes — things that can be controlled — then it’s not going to give you an opportunity to be in the best possible chance to win.”

With a quick turnaround for Game 4, scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. local time tip on Sunday, the Lakers are hopeful for Doncic’s recovery. “Hopefully, whatever’s going on, he’s feeling better on Sunday,” Redick said. “I mean, I can’t [diagnose him]. I’m not a doctor.”