The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Lakers 103-88 in the city derby in which Ivica Zubac and Luka Dončić were injured.
The Croatian basketball player was injured left ankle after playing most of the first quarter. In 10:47 minutes spent on the court, he recorded five points (2/3 field goal), two rebounds and one assist.
IVICA ZUBAC IS INJURED,
CLIPPERS SEASON IN TOTAL JEAPORDY NOW, pic.twitter.com/klT3g12GR2
— The Sports Casual (@sportscasual67) December 21, 2025
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers to victory with 32 points and 12 rebounds, James Harden added 21 points with 10 assists, and John Collins had a “double-double” performance in the winning series with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The weakened Lakers were without three starters – Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves – and they finished the game without injured Luka Dončić. The NBA’s leading scorer did not return to the court after halftime due to injuries shins. In the first part, he scored 12 points (4/13 field goal, 1/6 three-pointers, 3/5 free throws), with five rebounds and two assists.
The best of the Lakers was LeBron James, who will turn 41 on December 30. The meeting ended with 36 points, the most this season. Jake LaRavia added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The victory was achieved by Karl Matkovic’s New Orleans Pelicans who won 128-109 Indiana. It is the fourth victory in a row for the Pelicans.
The Croatian basketball player spent 19:53 minutes in the game with six points (3/5 field goal, 0/1 three-pointers), nine rebounds and two assists. The first Pelicans scorer was Zion Williamson with 29 points. Saddiq Bey added 18 points, and Derik Queen (with ten rebounds) and Trey Murphy III each had 17.
Pascal Siakam was in the best mood with the defeated Pacers, who recorded their fourth consecutive loss, with 22 points.
Results of NBA games played on December 20:
Denver Nuggets – Houston Rockets 101-115
Toronto Raptors -Boston Celtics 96-112
Philadelphia 76ers – Dallas Mavericks 121-114
New Orleans Pelicans- Indiana Pacers 128-109
(Karlo Matkovic played 19:53 minutes for the Clippers, scored six points and recorded nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block)
Detroit Pistons – Charlotte Hornets 112-86
Memphis Grizzlies – Washington Wizards 122-130
Golden State Warriors – Phoenix Suns 119-116
Utah Jazz – Orlando Magic 127-128 (overtime)
Sacramento Kings – Portland Trail Blazers 93-98
(Dario Šarić played 3:25 minutes for the Kings, without effect)
LA Clippers – LA Lakers 103-88
(Ivica Zubac played 10:47 minutes for the Clippers, scored five points and recorded two rebounds and one assist)
(Hina | Photo: Screenshot X)
