DENVER — Journeys right here have mainly gone the identical the previous two seasons, with the Lakers exhibiting indicators that they could have discovered methods to take advantage of the Nuggets’ deficiencies just for Denver to slam the door and run the identical script.
Eight straight occasions over the previous two seasons, together with 5 within the playoffs, the Lakers have come to Denver and left with a loss, unable to knock out the Nuggets.
However over these eight video games, the Lakers have been by no means constant fairly like they have been Saturday, so locked right into a sport plan that they performed almost error-free basketball. By no means over these earlier eight video games did the Lakers fluster Nikola Jokic like they did Saturday, forcing the three-time MVP into firing passes off of cutters’ knees or into the entrance row.
And the Lakers by no means had Luka Doncic throughout that streak.
In his fifth sport since being acquired in a stunning commerce for Anthony Davis, Doncic regarded totally at house. Even after his first shot didn’t hit something, Doncic discovered his footing.
He hit stepback threes. He zipped full-court passes. He tossed lobs.
He dominated.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic laughs smiles throughout Saturday’s sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets.
(David Zalubowski / Related Press)
The Lakers managed the Denver Nuggets in a significant manner throughout Saturday’s 123-100 win, one thing they haven’t achieved because the 2020 NBA playoffs. Doncic scored 32 to go along with 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
LeBron James, the recipient of 1 attractive streaking cross early and a lob later, scored 25 factors. Austin Reaves had 23 factors and Rui Hachimura scored 21 factors for the Lakers (34-21).
The Lakers’ defensive sport plan was as spectacular because the offensive onslaught, if no more. They compelled 21 Denver turnovers with Hachimura, James, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt relentlessly denying Jokic the ball.
Jokic shot solely seven occasions, tying his season-low for makes an attempt. He completed with 12 factors and 13 rebounds for Denver (37-20).
The loss ended Denver’s nine-game successful streak.
