Keldon Johnson fired 27 points in just 28 minutes off the bench, helping the Spurs spoil Luka Doncic’s triple-double effort for the Lakers in a battle between two of the West's top three teams.
Keldon Johnson came off the bench and poured in 27 points in just 28 minutes, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a strong 107-91 domination of the LA Lakers that ended a two-game skid on Thursday, January 8 (PH time).
With the Lakers missing LeBron James (foot, sciatica) and Austin Reaves (calf), the Spurs took full advantage, riding a balanced attack anchored by Johnson’s hot hand.
Victor Wembanyama added 16-point, 14-rebound double-double on top of four blocks as De’Aaron Fox contributed 15, and Stephon Castle added 14 markers.
San Antonio led by as many as 16, converted 17 Lakers turnovers into 19 points, and improved to 26-11, widening their lead over Los Angeles by two games for the West’s second seed.
Luka Doncic carried the load for the Lakers, posting 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Spurs.
The loss ended LA’s three-game winning streak and dropped the team to 23-12.
San Antonio opens a three-game road trip in Boston to battle the Celtics (23-13), while LA looks to regroup at home against the Milwaukee Bucks (16-20).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.