Doncic shimmies his way to 49-point night

(Lakers, from D3]

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LUKA DONCIC (77) scores against the Timberwolves' Terrence Shannon Jr. in the Lakers' victory.

(ERIC THAYER Los Angeles Times)

Luka Doncic shoulder-shimmied his way into the record books again as he became the first Laker to begin a season with consecutive 40-point performances Friday with 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in the Lakers’ 128-0 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After pouring in 43 points in Tuesday’s season opener, Doncic became the fourth player in NBA history to score 40 points in back-to-back games at the beginning of the season, joining Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

But when asked about his personal feelings on his blazing start, Doncic was quick to mention that he wished the Lakers had won the first game.

The team was happier to celebrate Doncic’s achievements Friday after the Lakers’ first win of the season.

“This performance leading to wins, though, that’s what we really want,” center Deandre Ayton said. “That's the glamour, but I'm just glad we can get wins with this type of performance we're having.”

that gave the Lakers a 19-point lead, his showmanship including pursing of his lips while doing a shimmy to the adoring crowd. Then he bounced off the court when the reeling Timberwolves called a timeout with eight minutes and six seconds left inthe game.

“It’s honestly because I don’t know what to do at those moments,” Doncic, laughing, said about his little move. “I said that before. I do some stupid thing and I don’t know what to do. That just came out. It’s got to be better. I got to work onit.”

He had a chance to score 50 points, but Doncic missed the first of two free throws with 3:05 left. He departed the game with 3:01 left to a standing ovation.