Dominant Display by Nuggets
The defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, secured a remarkable comeback victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs’ first round. Despite trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half, the Nuggets surged ahead in the third quarter with a 32-18 run, ultimately defeating the Lakers 114-103. This win marks the Nuggets’ ninth consecutive victory against the Lakers, including last season’s playoffs.
Strong Start by Lakers
In the first quarter, led by LeBron James, who scored 12 points, the Lakers established an early 8-point lead. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 11 points. Anthony Davis took over the game for the Lakers in the second quarter, scoring 12 points to maintain their lead. With a buzzer-beating three-pointer from James, the Lakers ended the first half with a 3-point lead over the Nuggets.
Nuggets Take Control
The tide turned in the third quarter as former Lakers player and Nuggets sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, also known as “KCP,” hit four consecutive three-pointers to give the Nuggets a 12-point lead. Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled offensively, scoring only 18 points in the quarter. The Nuggets finished the third quarter with a double-digit lead of 89-78.
Strong Finish by Nuggets
In the fourth quarter, Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray showcased his scoring ability, supported by Michael Porter Jr. and Jokić. Although the Lakers narrowed the gap to single digits with a three-pointer from Austin Reaves in the final two minutes, they couldn’t mount a comeback. The game ended with the Nuggets victorious, 114-103. The two teams will face off again in Game 2 at the Nuggets’ home court on the 23rd.
Nuggets, Lakers Rivalry
The Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals of last season’s playoffs and lost all four regular-season games against them this season. Nuggets fans jokingly refer to their team as the Lakers’ “dad,” as the Lakers’ last victory over the Nuggets was on December 16, 2022.
Statistical Highlights
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks, while LeBron James contributed 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. D’Angelo Russell struggled, scoring only 13 points on 20 attempts. For the Nuggets, Jokić led with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, followed by Murray with 22 points and 10 assists, and Porter Jr. with 19 points. (Free100)