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 that left him “vomiting all afternoon” before the crucial Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This unfortunate turn of events was confirmed by Lakers coach JJ Redick, and it certainly had a significant impact on the game.

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 managed only 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers during Friday’s game. The Lakers fell to the Timberwolves with a final score of 116-104, putting Minnesota up 2-1 in the series.

LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 38 points, setting a record for the most points in NBA postseason history by a player over age 40, acknowledged the impact of Doncic’s illness. “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 unwell after a nap that afternoon. The Lakers’ medical staff treated him 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, scoring 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 clear 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 his condition, 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 one when Wolves center Rudy Gobert stole the ball from him on the perimeter, a spot where Doncic had previously 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 the game on a 13-1 run to secure the victory. Beyond Doncic’s individual challenges, the Lakers struggled with ball security, committing 19 turnovers that resulted in 28 points for Minnesota.

LeBron James emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes in the postseason. “In the postseason, obviously you’re not going to play a perfect game,” James said. “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.”

• Doncic’s illness impacted his performance, limiting him to 17 points.
• LeBron James set a record with 38 points, the most by a player over 40 in NBA postseason history.
• The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, leading to 28 points for the Timberwolves.
• The Timberwolves lead the series 2-1 after their 116-104 victory.