Key Highlights
- The Los Angeles Lakers extended their undefeated record in clutch-time games for the first time since December 18 at Utah.
- In their opening game of 2026 against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers won 128-121 despite being outscored by six points this season.
- Luka Dončić scored a game-high 34 points and made more free throws than the entire Grizzlies team in the victory.
- The Lakers’ defense in clutch time has been particularly strong, with opponents making only 34.1% of their field goals and 23.8% of their three-point attempts.
Lakers Continue Unbeaten Streak in Clutch Time Games
The Los Angeles Lakers began the new year with a significant victory, extending their undefeated record in clutch-time games for the first time since December 18 at Utah. The game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 3, 2026, saw the Lakers outlast their opponents 128-121, showcasing their ability to close out closely contested matches.
Clutch Time Defined
The NBA defines clutch time as the minutes when a game is within five points in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime. This period has been crucial for the Lakers this season; they entered the matchup with an undefeated 10-0 record in clutch-time games, despite losing at least three such games every other team had faced.
Game Details and Key Performances
The game started as a tight affair, with the largest lead surpassing one point only once for more than three minutes. The Lakers’ defense was particularly effective during clutch moments, allowing opponents to make just 34.1% of their field goals and only 23.8% of their three-point attempts.
Luka Dončić led the way with a game-high 34 points, including an impressive 17-of-20 performance from the free-throw line. His ability to find the right opportunities was instrumental in securing the win for the Lakers. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart also contributed significantly, helping to maintain the team’s dominance.
Defense and Turnovers
The Lakers’ defense during clutch moments stood out as one of their strongest assets this season. Head coach JJ Redick praised the defensive efforts, noting that the team had multiple stops in a row. Despite the Grizzlies scoring 20 points off turnovers and having 70 early offensive points, the Lakers managed to keep them at bay.
Smart’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he outscored the Grizzlies by 18 points in his 34 minutes of play. He credited his ability to create plays for himself and others, emphasizing that his intelligence on the court allowed him to make the right decisions consistently.
Implications and Future Prospects
The victory against the Grizzlies marks a significant milestone for the Lakers as they enter 2026. With an undefeated record in clutch-time games, the team now has a strong foundation upon which to build their season. However, the small sample size means that it’s too early to draw sweeping conclusions about their ability to close out games.
As the Lakers prepare for another matchup with the Grizzlies on Sunday, they will look to replicate this performance and solidify their position in the league standings.
The success in clutch-time games could be a key factor in determining whether the Lakers can contend for a championship this season.
For fans of the team, the victory serves as a promising sign that the Lakers are not just about winning when the going is easy but also possess the ability to deliver under pressure. As they continue their journey in 2026, the Lakers will hope to maintain their form and compete at the highest level.
