The Rivalry Renewed: Lakers vs Spurs Showdown – Doncic’s 35 Points Lift LA in a 118–116 Nail-Biter
November 7, 2025
The long-standing Lakers vs Spurs rivalry received a new chapter at Crypto.com Arena — and it didn’t disappoint. The torch once carried by Shaq and Duncan has now passed to Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama, two global stars redefining their franchises’ futures.
Both squads entered the game on strong form — the Lakers at 7–2, the Spurs at 5–2 — setting up an early-season test with Western Conference implications. The duel delivered everything: cold spells, comebacks, clutch plays, and a finish that left fans gasping.
| Team | Record Before Game | Top Performer | Highlight Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 7–2 | Luka Doncic (35 pts, 13 ast) | Go-ahead step-back three with 2:31 left |
| San Antonio Spurs | 5–2 | Victor Wembanyama (19 pts, 8 reb) | Momentum-shifting blocks before fouling out |
The Lakers ultimately survived 118–116, but the game’s story went far beyond the scoreboard — it was a battle of resilience, composure, and two stars learning how to win in the spotlight.
Early Struggles and Shifting Momentum
Both teams stumbled out of the gate. The Lakers couldn’t buy a three, shooting just 14% from deep in the opening quarter, while the Spurs found rhythm through Julian Champagnie, who knocked down early shots to quiet the home crowd.
Wembanyama’s presence altered shots inside, but early foul trouble forced him to the bench midway through the second quarter — a key turning point. Dončić kept LA afloat with tough step-backs and drives, but it wasn’t until Rui Hachimura and the second unit took over that momentum changed.
By halftime, the Lakers edged ahead 57–56 after Bronny James connected on a confident midrange jumper — his first meaningful bucket in front of a roaring home crowd.
San Antonio responded in the third quarter with their best basketball of the night:
- Harrison Barnes spaced the floor with corner threes
- Champagnie continued to punish defensive lapses
- The Spurs built a 10-point cushion as Doncic went just 1-for-9 in the period
At that point, the Lakers looked fatigued, but the drama was just beginning.
Fourth-Quarter Fireworks: Doncic’s Takeover and Spurs’ Collapse
When the fourth quarter began, the energy in the arena shifted. The Lakers opened on a 7–0 run, sparked by Deandre Ayton’s inside scoring and Marcus Smart’s defense. With Wembanyama in foul danger, LA attacked the paint aggressively.
Then came the defining moment — with 2:31 left, Doncic buried a step-back three to give the Lakers a 113–112 lead. The building erupted.
But the final minutes were pure chaos. A series of fouls, challenges, and reviews slowed play to a crawl, echoing fan frustration seen across NBA Reddit and post-game discussion threads.
- Wembanyama fouled out after Rui Hachimura drew a charge with 1:39 to go
- Smart’s turnover with 1.2 seconds left nearly cost LA the win
- Spurs’ Champagnie was fouled with 0.2 seconds remaining — and missed both free throws
The final buzzer brought a mix of relief and disbelief. The Lakers escaped; the Spurs were crushed.
Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ Steady Core – Lakers vs Spurs
Even through offensive droughts, Doncic’s fingerprints were everywhere. He finished with 35 points, 13 assists, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, orchestrating LA’s tempo when others faltered.
After sitting out the Portland game, his return showcased just how dependent the Lakers have become on his pace control. His connection with Ayton in the pick-and-roll — particularly when Wembanyama was sidelined — turned into a decisive weapon.
Around him, the supporting cast delivered quietly effective performances:
- Ayton: 22 points, 10 rebounds, steady rim protection
- Hachimura: 15 points, consistent midrange shooting
- Smart: gritty defense, key late-game rebound, one costly turnover
Even without LeBron James and Austin Reaves (hamstring), the Lakers found ways to manufacture offense, a sign of maturity and depth in a long season.
Spurs’ Lessons and the Whistle Debate
Despite the loss, the Spurs walked away with takeaways worth noting. Victor Wembanyama dominated stretches when available, scoring 19 and blocking multiple shots that halted Lakers runs. Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan provided hustle and defense that kept the game competitive into the final moments.
Yet execution under pressure betrayed them —
- Missed free throws
- Untimely fouls
- Late-game miscommunication
These are the growing pains of a young core still learning how to close games on the road.
The ending also reignited the ongoing league-wide debate over officiating. The game featured 80+ free throws, with the final five minutes stretching beyond 30 real-time minutes. Fans labeled it “unwatchable,” while some players hinted postgame that rhythm and flow are suffering under current foul interpretations.
Takeaways and Closing Thoughts – Lakers vs Spurs
The Lakers vs Spurs thriller was messy, emotional, and thoroughly human — exactly what fans expect from this rivalry. LA moved to 8–2, extending its win streak to five, while San Antonio dropped to 5–3, still very much a team on the rise.
Beyond the stats, it was a night of contrasts: Doncic’s polish against Wembanyama’s raw brilliance, veteran steadiness against youthful urgency. And though whistles dominated the closing minutes, the underlying tension and storylines reminded everyone why this matchup still matters.
As the NBA season unfolds, Luka Doncic vs Victor Wembanyama feels less like a one-off duel and more like the league’s next defining rivalry — the kind that bridges generations and brings the sport’s drama back into focus.
Even in a game marred by stoppages, this was basketball at its most compelling: imperfect, unpredictable, and undeniably alive.