During the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding 128-104 win against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena, Luka Dončić’s spirited response after a spectacular off-balance three-pointer captured widespread attention. The Lakers, looking to solidify momentum late in the season, showcased their depth and skill in this dominant performance, with Dončić playing a pivotal role.
Highlight Moment: Dončić’s Unconventional Three-Pointer
With just under four minutes left in the third quarter, Dončić faced intense pressure from Sacramento’s Daeqwon Plowden. As Dončić attempted a drive, he suddenly pulled the ball back while slipping slightly off-balance. Despite the challenging position, he managed to retreat behind the arc and release a leaning three-pointer over defenders, which successfully dropped through the net.
Responding to questions after the game about the improbable shot, Dončić quipped, I did it on purpose. He added,
And 1 mixtape? That’s what they were saying on the bench.
Dončić finished the game with 28 points and nine assists, including four made three-pointers, while playing only three quarters in the Lakers’ decisive victory.
Coach and Team Praise Dončić’s Daring Approach
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the boldness of Dončić’s style, drawing parallels to a well-known basketball mindset.
Coach K used to always use the word ‘daring,’
Redick said after the game.
There’s a daring to Luka’s game. One of the many reasons that makes him such a special player.
The Lakers never trailed following Sacramento’s opening basket. LeBron James contributed 24 points, including two emphatic dunks that energized the team. Austin Reaves added 12 points, while Deandre Ayton was flawless from the field, shooting a perfect 6-of-6, finishing with 12 points as Los Angeles built a commanding 22-point halftime lead.
Lakers’ Three-Point Shooting and Team Depth Shine
The Lakers were relentless from beyond the arc, making 17 of their initial 33 attempts while their starters were on the floor. Their shooting performance flirted with franchise efficiency marks, eventually ending with an 18-of-39 success rate from three-point range. This offensive flow allowed Dončić, Reaves, and Ayton to sit out the entire fourth quarter, preserving energy with four upcoming games scheduled in the next week.
For Sacramento, Nique Clifford led with 26 points, and Russell Westbrook added 14 points against his former team. Despite these efforts, the Kings continue to struggle, now losing 18 of their last 20 games, unable to counter the Lakers’ offensive intensity.
Significance of Dončić’s Impact and Lakers’ Momentum
The confident tone in Dončić’s postgame remark, I did it on purpose, encapsulated the Lakers’ dominance throughout the night, highlighting their composure and swagger in a high-stakes environment. With contributions from LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles appears poised to maintain strong form as the season progresses, reinforcing their standing within the Western Conference playoff race.
Luka Doncic looking like Kobe Bryant. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/EniQQJgd09
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 2, 2026
Luka Doncic: "I did it on purpose. And 1 mixtape? That's what they were saying on the bench." https://t.co/mgJ6yaREa3 pic.twitter.com/rML58vYimu
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 2, 2026
JJ Redick on this shot from Luka Doncic: "Coach K used to always use the word daring; there's a daring to Luka's game. One of the many reasons that makes him such a special player." https://t.co/mgJ6yaREa3 pic.twitter.com/F21IikmqFe
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 2, 2026
