Luka Doncic delivered a sensational 45-point performance as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 131-125 on Sunday, while Jayson Tatum guided the Boston Celtics to their fifth consecutive victory with a 108-97 win over the Orlando Magic.
Doncic dominated the contest with 45 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Lakers recover from their disappointing defeat against the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
Los Angeles had surrendered a 25-point advantage against Golden State but avoided another costly collapse despite facing a late Toronto comeback.
The Lakers established a commanding 26-point lead during Sunday’s encounter before the Raptors fought back to make the closing stages competitive.
Austin Reaves contributed 19 points, while Walker Kessler impressed with 16 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Collin Sexton also played an important role, adding 14 points.
Doncic was particularly effective from beyond the arc, converting eight of his 12 three-point attempts to equal his season-high tally.
The Lakers produced an impressive offensive display, shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from three-point range.
However, their 24 turnovers allowed Toronto opportunities to remain in contention. Despite those mistakes, Los Angeles held firm to improve its home record to 3-1.
For Toronto, Scottie Barnes led the scoring with 29 points, while RJ Barrett registered a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Jamison Battle contributed 20 points, and Immanuel Quickley added 12, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent defeat.
The Raptors have now lost three of their four games since Kawhi Leonard suffered a knee injury. Sunday’s result also marked a disappointing beginning to their four-game road trip.
Meanwhile, Boston continued its impressive run with a convincing 108-97 victory over Orlando.
Tatum led the Celtics with a game-high 32 points, shooting 8-of-19 from the field and converting 15 of his 17 free-throw attempts.
His efficiency at the foul line proved significant, with Orlando managing just 15 successful free throws from 19 attempts as a team.
Paul George provided valuable support for Boston, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
Orlando received strong performances from Tristan da Silva and Anthony Black, who scored 23 points each.
Da Silva also collected 10 rebounds to complete a double-double, while Black contributed eight rebounds. Desmond Bane chipped in with 19 points.
Despite those contributions, the Magic struggled to contain Boston’s attacking rhythm as the Celtics extended their winning streak to five games.
Both the Lakers and Celtics emerged victorious, with Doncic and Tatum producing standout individual performances in Sunday’s NBA action.
