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“Apex Predator”: Udonis Haslem and Blake Griffin Can’t Stop Raving About Luka Doncic After 53-Point Explosion

Luka Doncic has been actively knocking on the front door of the MVP honors. He produced yet another fifty-ball, leaving the legends to find superlatives to praise him. Last night, Portland tried sending extra bodies at him, but he still…

By Shahul Hameed · Essentially Sports

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 12:05 PM

Key Things to Know

Udonis Haslem and Blake Griffin praised Luka Doncic following his 53-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Trail Blazers 124-118 after overcoming a 16-point deficit.
Haslem labeled Doncic an "apex predator," while Griffin commended his defensive effort and momentum-shifting charge before halftime.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NBA players Udonis Haslem and Blake Griffin praised Luka Doncic following his 53-point performance in the Los Angeles Lakers' 124-118 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. Speaking on Prime's NightCap, Haslem called Doncic an "apex predator" whom defenses cannot stop even when sending multiple players. Griffin highlighted Doncic's defensive efforts, pointing to a key drawn charge and a subsequent 61-foot buzzer-beater before halftime.

Doncic scored 20 points during a decisive third-quarter surge to help overturn a 16-point deficit, supported by Austin Reaves who added 25 points. The performance marked Doncic's fourth consecutive 40-point game, matching a Lakers franchise milestone shared with Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, and George Mikan, while also tying Oscar Robertson's record of seven straight games with at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

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