Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week for March 16-22, according to a March 23 announcement by the National Basketball Association. LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets received the honor in the Eastern Conference.
Doncic led the Lakers to a perfect 4-0 record during that week, averaging 42.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and three steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and over 37 percent from three-point range.
His performances included scoring 36 points in a win against the Houston Rockets, followed by another strong showing with 40 points, nine rebounds and ten assists in a rematch with Houston. Doncic then recorded what was described as arguably his best performance of the season: he scored 60 points along with seven rebounds, three assists and five steals in a victory over the Miami Heat. The team had arrived in Miami at five o’clock in the morning on a back-to-back schedule, and Doncic had been listed as questionable earlier that day.
Doncic finished his week with another standout game against Orlando Magic, posting 33 points, five rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
This marks Doncic’s fourth time being named Player of the Week this season—the most for any player—and his second consecutive week receiving this recognition. It is also his eighteenth career weekly award. He previously earned NBA Player of the Month honors for January and may be considered again for March.
Looking ahead, Doncic could seek to extend his streak as Los Angeles concludes its road trip with games against Detroit Pistons on Monday and Indiana Pacers on Wednesday before returning home to face Brooklyn Nets Friday night.
In related news, an NBA technical foul assessed to Doncic during a recent win over Orlando was rescinded after review. The incident involved an exchange between Doncic and Magic player Goga Bitadze that resulted in double technicals; rescinding it keeps him eligible to play but leaves him one technical away from suspension.
