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 not his usual self during their 116-104 Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The culprit? A stomach ailment that had Doncic “vomiting all afternoon” before the game, as reported by Lakers coach JJ Redick.

Doncic, who had been averaging a stellar 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the first two games of the series, was visibly off his game. He managed only 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers on Friday. It was a stark contrast to his usual performance, and the impact on the team was palpable.

“Obviously, with his illness, it impacts our team,” said 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. “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 shootaround on Friday morning, he still felt unwell after a nap in the afternoon. The Lakers’ medical staff treated him after the game, which saw the Timberwolves take a 2-1 lead in the series, but Doncic did not speak to reporters.

In the first two games, Doncic had been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 16 points in the first quarter alone. However, on Friday, it was clear 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 on the bench after being subbed out.

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 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 him in last year’s Western Conference finals.

“He gave it everything he had tonight and played 39, 40 minutes, did everything he could do to help us win,” said Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four turnovers. “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.

“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 affected his performance significantly.
• LeBron James set a record for most points by a player over 40 in NBA postseason history.
• The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, leading to 28 points for the Timberwolves.
• Game 4 is set for Sunday with a 2:30 p.m. local time tip.