Luka Dončić played through a stomach illness during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116–104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series on Friday night.
Despite being visibly affected, Dončić logged 40 minutes on the court, contributing 17 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. He struggled with his shooting, making just 6 of 16 attempts, and committed five turnovers.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick revealed that Dončić had been vomiting all afternoon leading up to the game and still felt unwell after a nap before tipoff.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 38 points, becoming the oldest player in NBA playoff history to score 35 or more points in a game.
However, the team committed 16 turnovers, leading to 28 points for Minnesota, and struggled with free-throw shooting, making just 5 of 11 in the first half.
The Timberwolves were propelled by Jaden McDaniels’ 30 points and Anthony Edwards’ 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Minnesota dominated in the paint, outscoring the Lakers by 30 points inside.
With the series now at 2–1 in favor of the Timberwolves, the Lakers face a must-win Game 4 on Sunday in San Francisco.
