In a commanding performance on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the Denver Nuggets 123-100, effectively ending Denver’s nine-game winning streak. This victory marked the Lakers’ first triumph in Denver since April 10, 2022, breaking a stretch where they had lost 13 of their previous 14 encounters against the Nuggets.
Doncic’s Stellar Performance
Luka Doncic, in just his fourth game with the Lakers, delivered an outstanding performance. He tallied 32 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists over 31 minutes. Notably, Doncic had been averaging 14.7 points in his initial three games with Los Angeles but surpassed that figure within the first quarter of this matchup. By halftime, he had already accumulated 19 points, contributing to the Lakers’ 63-54 lead.
Supporting Cast Shines
LeBron James complemented Doncic’s efforts with 25 points and nine rebounds. Austin Reaves added 23 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points before exiting the game due to an apparent injury to his left side. Despite Hachimura’s early departure, the Lakers maintained their momentum, executing a 12-2 run that extended their lead to 19 points.
Nuggets’ Struggles
On the Denver side, Aaron Gordon led with 24 points, and Jamal Murray added 19. Nikola Jokic recorded his 26th triple-double of the season, amassing 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, Jokic’s performance was marred by six turnovers, contributing to the team’s total of 20 for the game. These miscues proved costly, as the Lakers capitalized on Denver’s errors to secure their decisive victory.
Looking Ahead
This win not only halted the Nuggets’ impressive streak but also showcased the burgeoning chemistry between Doncic and James. As the Lakers (1.36) continue to integrate their new star, performances like this suggest a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season. Up next, the Lakers face the Dallas Mavericks (3.10)—Doncic’s former team—in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
All eyes will be on the Slovenian star as he takes on his old squad for the first time in Lakers colours, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.
