The Lakers faced off against the Nuggets in a highly anticipated game that ended with a final score of 114-103. The matchup between these two teams was intense from the start, with both sides displaying impressive skill and determination on the court.
The Lakers came out strong in the first quarter, taking an early lead and maintaining their momentum throughout the game. LeBron James led the charge for Los Angeles, showcasing his incredible talent and leadership as he scored crucial points and made key plays to keep his team ahead.
They turned up their offense and defense after a sputtering start, however, powering past the Lakers 114-103 behind Nikola Jokic’s 32 points and 12 rebounds in the Western Conference playoff opener, their ninth consecutive triumph over the Lakers.
LeBron James score 19 first-half points, capped by a pull-up 3 from 32 feet in the final second that put the Lakers up 60-57, the Nuggets limited the NBA’s career scoring leader to nine points in the second half and didn’t allow him to even take a shot in the fourth quarter until just 1:20 remained.
It's worst for the Lakers, though, who have now lost nine straight games to Denver between the regular season and playoffs. They last defeated the Nuggets on Dec. 16, 2022.
Nikola Jokić was again efficiently dominant, with 32 points on 15-of-23 shooting with 12 rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers. With him on the floor, the Nuggets were pulling off stuff
Darvin Ham says the Lakers have a few more adjustments to throw at Nikola Jokic and that they didn't want to use all of their adjustments in Game 1.
Darvin Ham says the Lakers have a couple more adjustments they’re going to throw at Nikola Jokic. He added the Lakers didn’t want to use all of their adjustments in Game 1.
James should have shown up dressed like Vector because he played the perfect villain, at least until halftime.
Denver swept the Lakers in last season’s Western Conference finals, the next-to-last step the Nuggets had to clear before claiming their first NBA title.
“I don’t ever get into the ‘here we go again’ mindset,” James said. “One game, they protected their home court. We have another opportunity on Monday to come back and be better.”
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