Doncic Drops 60 as Lakers Beat Heat, Extend Win Streak to 8 | NBA News 2026

Luka Dončić scored 60 points, a Heat opponent record, as the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to eight games with a 134-126 victory over Miami on Thursday night. Dončić’s performance surpassed James Harden’s previous high of 58 points against the Heat while playing for the Houston Rockets in 2019.

The Lakers (45-25) also benefited from a triple-double by LeBron James, who recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. James, 41, tied the NBA record for most regular-season games played on Thursday, appearing in his 1,611th career contest. The game potentially marked his final appearance in Miami, having previously led the Heat to two NBA championships and four consecutive NBA Finals appearances between 2011, and 2014.

Dončić, currently the NBA’s leading scorer with a 32.9 points-per-game average, shot 18-for-30 from the field, including 9-of-17 from three-point range, and 15-of-19 from the free throw line. He also contributed seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. According to Stathead, Dončić’s stat line – 60 points, nine three-pointers, and five steals – is the first of its kind in NBA history.

Dončić’s scoring unfolded throughout the game, with 12 points in the first quarter, nine in the second, 19 in the third, and a decisive 20 points in the fourth. The Lakers overcame a 15-point first-quarter deficit, fueled by Dončić’s performance and a defensive adjustment that limited Miami’s offensive opportunities.

Bam Adebayo led the Heat (38-32) with 28 points and 10 rebounds, returning to full health after missing a previous game due to right calf tightness. Tyler Herro added 21 points, and Norman Powell scored 20 for Miami. Yet, the Heat were without Jaime Jaquez Jr. (left hip tightness) and Andrew Wiggins (left big toe), who collectively average 30.9 points per game.

Miami started strong, shooting 63.0 percent from the floor in the first quarter and building a 42-29 lead. Los Angeles responded in the second quarter, improving their shooting to 40.9 percent and narrowing the gap to 65-59 at halftime. The Lakers took their first lead of the game in the third quarter, 72-71, on a three-pointer by Dončić, and extended their advantage to 97-88 by the end of the period. Miami struggled from behind the arc in the third, missing 10 of 12 attempts.

The Lakers continued to control the game in the fourth quarter, securing their third consecutive win against the Heat. James’ triple-double was his second of the season, and the Lakers’ eighth straight win solidified their position in the Western Conference standings.

The Heat have now lost three of their last four games, following a period where Adebayo scored 83 points against Washington on March 10, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.