Luka Doncic scores 21 points in the first quarter and 43 points overall, setting a milestone; LeBron James contributes 23+9+9 as Lakers defeat Pacers.

On March 26, in an NBA regular season game, the Lakers defeated the Pacers 137-130. In this game, Luka Doncic scored 43 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, reaching 30+ points for 11 consecutive games, tying his personal career record for consecutive 30+ point performances. Furthermore, Doncic scored 21 points in the first quarter of this game, achieving his 32nd career quarter with 20+ points, tying James Harden for third place historically.

Game Process

The Lakers started strong with multiple players contributing, scoring 10-0 early. The Pacers quickly responded with Hield and Nembhard hitting three-pointers to narrow the gap to 2 points. Doncic drove inside and shot outside, scoring continuously and assisting LeBron James for a dunk over Hield, helping the Lakers stabilize the situation. Towards the end of the quarter, the Lakers unleashed full three-point firepower, hitting consecutive shots to expand their lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Lakers scored 45 points and led by 17 points. Doncic alone scored 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the first quarter, marking his 32nd game with 20+ points in a quarter, tying Harden for third in history. In the second quarter, James partnered with Hayes to score inside and outside, helping the Lakers surge 9-2 and instantly extend the lead to 24 points. The Pacers launched a counterattack with a scoring streak, reducing the deficit to 14 points. Late in the quarter, the Pacers attempted another counterattack, but Doncic and James scored successively to help the Lakers maintain control. At halftime, the Lakers led 75-59, a 16-point advantage.

After switching sides, Reaves hit a three-pointer and Hayes scored repeatedly, allowing the Lakers to start with an 11-4 run. The Pacers organized a counterattack, but Doncic and Hayes scored again, helping the Lakers firmly control the game's momentum. Subsequently, the Pacers scored through mid-range and long-range jump shots, but the Lakers, led by Doncic, stabilized the situation. By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 105-85, a 20-point advantage. In the fourth quarter, both teams exchanged scores early, with Bronny James contributing a dunk. Following that, both sides alternated scoring through free throws, drives, and jump shots, with the Lakers maintaining a solid lead. Towards the end, the Pacers launched a final counterattack, but the Lakers successfully secured the victory. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Pacers.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Olivier Rioux

Pacers: Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, Lonnie Walker IV