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 hard by a stomach ailment just 24 hours before their 116-104 Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Lakers coach JJ Redick, Doncic was “vomiting all afternoon” leading up to the tipoff.

Doncic, who had been averaging a stellar 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the first two games of the series, was visibly not himself. He was limited to 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, along with seven rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers on Friday night.

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. Despite attending the shootaround on Friday morning, he still felt off after a nap in the afternoon. He received treatment from the Lakers’ medical staff after the loss, which put the Timberwolves up 2-1 in the series, but did not speak to reporters.

Doncic’s usual explosive start was missing, as he scored just two points on 1-for-6 shooting in the first quarter. In the second quarter, he 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 a crucial one when Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert stole the ball from him on the perimeter, eerily close to the spot where Doncic hit a game-winning 3 against him in last year’s Western Conference finals.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 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. Along with Doncic’s individual struggles, Los Angeles failed to protect the ball, committing 19 turnovers that resulted in 28 points for Minnesota.

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.”

• Doncic’s illness impacted 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 scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. local time.