The Lakers are back on track in Denver

The battle for 2nd place in the Western Conference is intense, and a good part of the night is thanks to the Rockets, Spurs winnersbut also the Lakers, who beat the Nuggets, with a triple-double Luka Dončić.

The game starts with a very high offensive tempo. Denver got off to a perfect start, displaying flawless 5/5 shooting and a terrifying outside skill set. Jamal Murray and Spencer Jones punish every space as the Nuggets quickly take the lead. On the Lakers side, Luka Doncic is on fire right away, with 16 points in the first quarter, helped by an active Deandre Ayton near the circle. Despite LeBron James’ strong shot, Los Angeles was already behind by nine points after twelve minutes (37-28).

In the second quarter, the Lakers tried to come back thanks to Drew Timme and some flashes from LeBron James, but their defense did not hold up. Jamal Murray continues to penetrate and punish the opponent’s mistakes. Denver regains control and widens the gap, taking advantage of the Lakers’ collective struggles. The end of the first half was even disastrous for Los Angeles: Murray concluded with a remarkable 35-second sequence, a punctuated shot from midcourt at the buzzer. Denver leads 71-57 at the break.

Lakers with two faces

After returning from the locker room, the scenario changes. The Lakers are clearly increasing their defensive intensity, disrupting Denver’s game. Luka takes control, connecting on outside shots and assists, while LeBron brings his physical impact. Los Angeles outscores the Nuggets 29-17 in the third quarter and returns to just two points before the final period (88-86). Jamal Murray, dominant in the first half, becomes much more discreet.

The final quarter is close at first, with the two teams going blow for blow. The Lakers quickly get to the tie, but still struggle to get ahead. The turnaround came seven minutes from the end: Doncic made two free throws, which finally gave Los Angeles the lead. An impressive 16-0 run followed, led by Luka and Marcus Smart, as the California defense completely suffocated Denver, snapping a long offensive drought.

Despite some late reactions from the Nuggets, the Lakers remain solid in their money management. Denver is forced to foul without being able to turn the tide. Buoyed by Doncic’s triple-double (38 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) and total dominance in the second half, the Lakers eventually won 115-107 to stay in touch with the fight for the No. 2 spot and keep their distance from the Suns, who are trumpeting to enter the Top 6.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Aiton throws in the towel. After being hit in the face late in the first half, Deandre Ayton did not return to the floor at the start of the third quarter, relinquishing his spot in the starting five to Jackson Hayes. In 15 minutes of play in the first period, before the injury, Ayton scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds, making one of five attempts. According to the medical staff, the pivot is suffering from left eye.

Murray took aim. One half, Jamal Murray played like one of the best players in the world with 26 points, including a three-pointer from the middle of the court at the end of the half. Back from the locker room, a change of plan on the Lakers side, and Murray was completely choked, to the point where he waited until the last minute to score his only two points of the second half. Marcus Smart slowed him down a lot, but the Lakers collectively muzzled him while stifling Denver’s offense.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.