Doncic dominates for LA Lakers as James’ Sixers fall

Luka Doncic on Sunday night scored a monster 52 points as the Los Angeles Lakers maintained their perfect start to life after LeBron James with a 132-123 defeat of the Utah Jazz.

Now the undisputed superstar of the Lakers since James departed this summer for Philadelphia, Doncic also provided 10 assists and eight rebounds in a masterful performance, with eight three-pointers and two steals.

Doncic was supported by Austin Reaves, who had 29 points, as the visitors pulled decisively clear in the last four minutes of a game they had trailed for long periods.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic, right, works the ball against the Utah Jazz’s Darryn Peterson during their NBA game in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday.

Photo: AFP

“It’s one of the best feelings — down the stretch, tight game, hitting those threes,” Doncic said. “Played the basketball we know how to play. We are learning our lesson ... we cannot start games like this anymore.”

It was the first 50-point game by an NBA player this season. Slovenian point guard Doncic was the league’s top scorer last season.

Meanwhile James’ Philadelphia 76ers, who had won all three of their opening games, fell 106-93 to the Detroit Pistons.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams lies on the court after getting injured on a play in their NBA games against the Los Angeles Clippers in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Sunday.

Photo: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Detroit — who topped the Eastern Conference last season — led wire-to-wire, pulling 21 points clear in the second quarter.

Tyrese Maxey tried his best to drag the Sixers back into the contest with 18 points in the fourth quarter, but the Pistons weathered the storm and also moved to 3-0.

“We’re just staying steady. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” said Cade Cunningham, who top-scored for Detroit with 26 points.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks lost their third consecutive game, falling 111-102 to the Orlando Magic despite Jalen Brunson’s 28 points. It is the worst start to a season by defending NBA champions since the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

“The reality of it is, giving up 40 points in the fourth quarter is way too much... When you’re not shooting the ball well, like we are, you got to figure out different ways to win the ballgame,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored with 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Clippers 108-101.

However, the victory was marred by injury to Jalen Williams, who grotesquely snapped his ankle on a drive to the rim, and was stretchered from the court.

“I just feel bad for him... We just got to hold the fort down until he comes back,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who appeared to be in tears after the incident.

“Those are tough, man. We’re not doing great. That’s tough on the guys,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault added.

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a third consecutive comfortable win, 117-94 over the Toronto Raptors.