Nikola Jokic had a standout performance in Los Angeles, putting up 34 points to guide the Denver Nuggets to win against the Lakers with a dominant 127-102 game on Saturday night. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 24 points as the defending champions displayed their strong performance in the second half.
Nuggets Overcome Slow Start
The Lakers were ahead 63-57 in the first half, but the Nuggets turned the game around in the third quarter. In the period, Denver scored 37 points compared to Los Angeles’ 15, and Jokic added nine points. During the third quarter, the Nuggets dominated the inside, scoring 20 points compared to the Lakers’ 4. At the conclusion of the quarter, Denver was ahead 94-77, highlighted by a powerful putback dunk from Russell Westbrook, who celebrated with style.
Denver’s Shooting Shines
Denver’s success in shooting three-pointers was crucial in their victory. The Nuggets made 16 out of 32 three-point shots, displaying no tiredness even though it was their second game in a row.
Lakers Falter at Home
The Lakers’ second consecutive loss at home comes as a surprise after starting the season 7-0 at Crypto.com Arena. Austin Reaves was the top scorer for the Lakers with 19 points, while LeBron James contributed 18 points, yet deficiencies in defense were revealed in the lackluster second half. Rui Hachimura scored 10 points in a short amount of time after recovering from an ankle injury.
Nuggets Stay Strong
Nikola Jokic remains at the forefront of team Denver Nuggets with impressive MVP-level showings, as Porter Jr.’s shooting contributes to the team’s offensive versatility. With their impressive performance in the second half, the Nuggets reminded the league of their status as the defending champions.
What’s Next?
On Monday, the Denver Nuggets will welcome the New York Knicks at home, while the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to Phoenix to kick off a tough road journey. Denver’s win confirms their position as a top competitor this year.
Keep an eye out for additional news while the Nuggets focus on sustaining their current progress.
Comments