Powered By Jokic’s Triple Double, Denver takes Game One from LA

In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious in Game one of the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, with a final score of 132-126. The Nuggets, led by the exceptional performance of Nikola Jokic, showcased their remarkable offensive firepower.

The Nuggets scored 70 first half points as Nikola Jokic had his way with Anthony Davis, scoring at will and using his passing skills to create open shots for teammates. At one point the Nuggets led by as much as 22 points. The Nuggets played unselfishly, displaying elite ball movement. However, the Lakers mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, reducing the deficit to a mere three points with just 1 minute and 12 seconds remaining on the clock. Yet, Jokic, calmly sank two crucial free throws, extending the Nuggets’ lead to 131-126 with 26 seconds left.

With their hopes hanging in the balance, the Lakers were granted one final opportunity to salvage the game. LeBron James, missed a crucial three-point shot with 10.9 seconds remaining. Jokic, sealed the game with two more free throws.

It was undeniably Jokic’s night, as he orchestrated a masterful triple-double performance, amassing an astonishing 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Throughout the game, his impact was felt on every inch of the court. In the first half alone, Jokic contributed 16 points, showcasing his versatility and scoring prowess. His shooting accuracy was commendable, finishing the game with a 70% field goal percentage and making all his threes.

Jamal Murray, too, played a pivotal role for the Nuggets, delivering an outstanding performance that bolstered their lead. With 31 points, five rebounds and five assists Murray’s contributions were particularly prominent in the third quarter, a period in which the Nuggets built a substantial advantage over their opponents.

Other role players who played a key contribution for the Nuggets were former Miami Hurricane Bruce Brown and former Laker Kentavious Caldwell Pope. Brown scored 14 first half points for the Nuggets, shooting 55% from the field and finished with 16 points for the night. Pope finished with 21 points and helped the Nuggets provide a balanced attack that kept the pressure on the Lakers defense.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis was a force scoring 40 points and amassing 10 rebounds. However, despite his remarkable individual performance, the Nuggets’ balanced scoring attack proved insurmountable for the Lakers. LeBron James also played well tallying 26 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. However, his efforts were marred by eight turnovers, preventing him from providing the necessary spark to shift the momentum and two ill-advised threes in the final minute when the Nuggets lead was just three points.

The Lakers will strive to level the playing field in Game two, scheduled for Thursday night in Denver. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are eager to extend their advantage and secure a 2-0 lead. For the Lakers to win they will need to play better team defense. It will be interesting to see if Darvin Ham goes to a bigger lineup with Rui Hachimura guarding Jokic, a lineup that jump started the Lakers late run.