In a thrilling Western Conference Finals opener, Nikola Jokic delivered a standout performance, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 132-126 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player put on a masterclass, recording an impressive triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jokic’s exceptional performance propelled the Nuggets to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Lakers made a valiant effort to stage a comeback, erasing a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter and closing the gap to just three points. However, it was Jokic’s clutch free throw that ultimately sealed the win for Denver.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised the resilience and composure displayed by his players. He stated, “A lot of our guys are battle-tested, we’ve been in a ton of close games. I didn’t think there was any panic – there was poise. Our guys looked at one another and realized what we had to do to close this game out.”
JOKIC AT THE BUZZER ????
31 PTS, 19 REB, 12 AST ????
End 3Q on ESPN pic.twitter.com/f62Fa0fOiE
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023
Jamal Murray also made a significant contribution to Denver’s victory, scoring 31 points to support Jokic’s dominant display. Additionally, four other Nuggets players recorded double-digit scores, showcasing the team’s depth and offensive prowess.
Denver held a commanding 72-54 lead at halftime, but the Lakers mounted a determined comeback in the second half, gradually chipping away at the Nuggets’ advantage. However, their efforts fell just short of securing a win.
Anthony Davis led the charge for the Lakers, scoring an impressive 40 points, while LeBron James added 26 points to the team’s tally. Austin Reaves also made a notable contribution with 23 points.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the need for self-reflection and improvement following the loss. He stated, “We’ll go back and look at the film tonight and see what we need to clean up, take a good look at that second half and see what went well, try to sustain the good stuff, and alleviate and repair the bad stuff.”
The second game of the series is scheduled to take place in Denver on Thursday, offering both teams an opportunity to regroup and adjust their strategies as they continue their quest for the Western Conference title.
