On 45-point night, Luka's defense steals show: 'This year I really took a step forward'

LOS ANGELES -- Luka Doncic scored 45 points Sunday in the Los Angeles Lakers ' 131-125 win over the Toronto Raptors -- the third 40-plus-point night in the last four games for the NBA's leading scorer (37.7 PPG) -- but it was Doncic's defensive impact that earned him postgame praise. Doncic tormented Toronto to the tune of eight turnovers -- swiping five steals and drawing three charges -- becoming the first player to record those defensive marks in the same game since player tracking began in 2013-14, according to ESPN Research.