Luka Doncic pulled up to Game 3 looking like he just lost a fight with a gas station burrito. The vibes were off from the jump. ESPN’s Lisa Salters broke the news about Luka battling a stomach bug, and JJ Redick didn’t sugarcoat it—basically said Luka’s been running on empty for 24 hours. Not ideal when you’re playing playoff basketball in Minnesota, where the mood shifts like the weather, against a team that’s built like a bar fight.
Mike Trudell chimed in mid-game, too: “Low energy, upset stomach, still wants to compete.” Which is baller… and also a little terrifying. Because here’s the thing: Luka is playing. He’s gutting it out. But he’s clearly not Luka-Luka. This is Luka on airplane WiFi. Still technically functioning, just… very delayed. He’s putting up 13 points, 8 assists, 5 boards—solid numbers for anyone else, but for him?
Lisa Salters reported on ESPN that Luka Doncic has been dealing with a stomach bug all day.
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) April 26, 2025
And unfortunately, that historic streak? Yeah, it’s wobbling. Luka’s on the verge of snapping his run of 14 straight playoff games with 27+ points—the same streak that had him tied with Wilt “I Invented Numbers” Chamberlain. It’s elite company, and unless Luka finds a third wind (he’s already burned through the first two), that streak might get left behind in Minneapolis like half the Lakers’ defensive effort.
But let’s be real: most dudes would’ve stayed in bed with Netflix and a Gatorade. Luka said, “Nah, I’m hooping.” Even sick, he’s finding open guys, playing chess while everyone else is still figuring out checkers. It’s not peak Luka, but it’s still better than like… 90% of the league.
(Developing story … )
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