Doncic Heats Up Late as Lakers Complete Two-Game Sweep of Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies arrived in Los Angeles hoping to split a two-game set, but instead left with the same frustrating lesson they learned two nights earlier: when Luka Dončić finds his rhythm, the Lakers become extremely difficult to stop.

Los Angeles followed up Friday’s 128–121 victory with another hard-fought win Sunday, rallying from a 16-point hole to beat Memphis 120–114. Dončić was again the centerpiece, torching the Grizzlies for a game-high 36 points to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists.

The Lakers’ ability to erase large deficits has been a recurring theme this season, and it showed up again in the fourth quarter. Down late, Los Angeles leaned on its stars and its defense, flipping the momentum in the closing minutes.

The result pushed the Lakers to 22–11, reinforcing their growing confidence as they prepare for a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

1. Fourth-Quarter Firepower

Dončić entered the final minutes still searching for consistency from beyond the arc this season, but none of that hesitation was evident when the game tightened. He drilled two consecutive three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, each one landing like a dagger into Memphis’ hopes of stealing a road win. Those back-to-back shots capped a 4-of-10 performance from deep, a welcome sign for a player who has been fighting through one of the coldest long-range stretches of his career. Even on a night when his outside shooting was uneven, Dončić’s confidence never wavered when it mattered most. After the game, the 26-year-old admitted there was relief in seeing the ball drop. He smiled through his explanation, noting that the makes were the product of repetition and trust in his mechanics rather than any last-second heroics. For the Grizzlies, it was déjà vu. They had watched Dončić dismantle their late-game coverage on Friday, and Sunday’s finish only underscored how little margin for error remains when he takes over.

2. Battling the Numbers

Statistically, Dončić’s season-long shooting struggles from deep remain a storyline. He is converting just 31.7% of his three-point attempts, the second-lowest mark of his career, a far cry from the efficiency he has shown in past years. Sunday’s performance illustrated the balancing act he has been navigating. While his perimeter shot has not been automatic, he continues to dominate games with a full arsenal—attacking the rim, creating for teammates, and controlling tempo. Against Memphis, his 36 points came on 10-of-20 shooting overall, a reminder that even when the three is not falling at elite levels, his scoring versatility can overwhelm defenses. That ability to stay aggressive despite statistical noise has been crucial for the Lakers, who have leaned heavily on Dončić’s poise in close games throughout their early-season success.

3. Chemistry With LeBron

As important as Dončić’s individual brilliance was the growing partnership with LeBron James. James delivered 26 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, playing the role of stabilizer when the Lakers were still digging out of their second-half hole. Dončić was quick to credit that partnership, pointing out how the two stars share responsibility in closing games. Their two-man game—alternating between scoring bursts and playmaking—has become the Lakers’ most reliable late-game formula. The connection extends beyond the box score. Both players repeatedly found shooters and cutters when Memphis collapsed on drives, forcing the Grizzlies into difficult defensive choices. That blend of veteran composure and youthful creativity has given Los Angeles a closing lineup that few teams can match when the game tightens.