Lakers “crushed” Clippers in Los Angeles derby

The Los Angeles Lakers “crushed” the Clippers 135-118 in the local derby, securing first place in West Group B of the NBA Cup and extending their winning streak to five games.

Luka Dončić was unstoppable, scoring 43 points—24 of them in the first quarter—along with seven three-pointers, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds, marking his fifth 40+ point game of the season, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

Austin Reaves was decisive in the final period, scoring 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter, keeping the Lakers ahead as the Clippers tried to mount a comeback. LeBron James added 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Rui Hachimura scored 13 points.

The Clippers, now 2-1 but still in the running for a wild card, were led by James Harden with 29 points and 9 assists. Leonard and Dan scored 19 points each, with the latter being ejected 3:33 before the end after a clash with Dončić and Hayes. John Collins added 18 points, and Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

In Philadelphia, the Orlando Magic “flattened” the 76ers 144-103 in one of their most impressive performances in recent years. Anthony Black scored a career-high 31 points, with 27 in the first half, contributing to Orlando’s historic second quarter of 51 points—a club record for any single quarter. The team ended the first half with 86 points, also a franchise record.

Despite the absence of Paolo Banchero (due to an adductor issue), coach Jamahl Mosley’s team had nine players in double figures. Besides Black, Franz Wagner added 21 points, Desmond Bane 15, while Orlando’s bench contributed 82 points, a season-high.

For the 76ers, missing Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Tyrese Maxey led with 20 points and Jaren McKeen added 15.

In Washington, the Wizards ended a 14-game losing streak, defeating the Hawks 132-113, led by C.J. McCollum. The veteran guard scored 46 points, including 10 three-pointers, leading Washington to one of its most convincing wins of the season.

Alex Caruso continued his excellent season with 27 points and 11 rebounds, Cory Kispert added 19 points, and Khris Middleton contributed 12 assists along with 10 points.

For Atlanta, Kristaps Porziņģis scored 22 points, Onyeka Okongwu 20, and Zachary Richey 17, while Daison Daniels nearly had a triple-double (11 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists). Vit Krejci added 10 points. Both teams are now 1-2 in the NBA Cup.

**NBA Game Results:**

* Philadelphia – Orlando: 103-144
* Washington – Atlanta: 132-113
* LA Lakers – LA Clippers: 135-118

**Standings:**

**EASTERN CONFERENCE**

*Atlantic Division*

* Toronto: 13-5
* New York: 10-6
* Philadelphia: 9-8
* Boston: 9-8
* Brooklyn: 3-14

*Central Division*

* Detroit: 15-2
* Cleveland: 12-7
* Chicago: 9-8
* Milwaukee: 8-10
* Indiana: 2-15

*Southeast Division*

* Miami: 12-6
* Atlanta: 11-8
* Orlando: 11-8
* Charlotte: 4-13
* Washington: 2-15

**WESTERN CONFERENCE**

*Northwest Division*

* Oklahoma City: 17-1
* Denver: 13-4
* Minnesota: 10-7
* Portland: 8-10
* Utah: 5-12

*Pacific Division*

* LA Lakers: 13-4
* Phoenix: 11-7
* Golden State: 10-9
* LA Clippers: 5-13
* Sacramento: 5-13

*Southwest Division*

* Houston: 11-4
* San Antonio: 11-5
* Memphis: 6-12
* Dallas: 5-14
* New Orleans: 3-1