The Nuggets defeated their big rival from Los Angeles in a major Western Conference derby 120–113 in a game that was not particularly high in quality but was exciting, and the best player of the matchup was, you guessed it – Nikola Jokić!
In the first part of the game, Jokara allowed Murray to lead the play and score, while he was content to dish out assists and grab rebounds under the basket.
But when the decisive moments arrived, he took matters into his own hands, scoring, directing the offense, and ultimately putting the final stamp on the game with a spectacular drive and two made free throws for the final score.
All in all, the numbers in Jokić’s column at the end read: 28 points (field goals 10/15, three-pointers 0/1, free throws 8/8), 13 assists and 12 rebounds, although the impression was slightly spoiled by as many as 9 turnovers.
But whoever works makes mistakes!
Among the Nuggets, Murray was also in good form, which is encouraging ahead of the upcoming challenges. He also scored 28 points (7 ast, 4 reb). The improving Strawther added 18, Braun had 15, and Hardaway finished with 14.
The Lakers were kept in the game for a long time by Luka Dončić, who simply faded in the last 15 minutes, finishing with 27 points (7 ast, 11 reb). He was followed by Hayes with 19, and Reaves, Hachimura and LeBron with 16 each (8 ast, 5 reb).
King James entered NBA history in this game by making his 15,838th field goal, surpassing another legendary Laker, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the all-time list.
Love him or not, you have to admit he is a master of his craft, and although he is already 41 years old, on the court he looks as if he still has the strength to play at least five more seasons.
With this win, Denver defended 5th place in the West with a record of 39–24, while the Lakers follow with 37–25.
In their next game, the Nuggets host New York tomorrow in another derby.
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Source: Antonije Kovačević Foto: NBA