LOS ANGELES -- Luka Doncic had 31 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in just three quarters of work, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 120-108 on Wednesday night in a matchup of injury-depleted Western Conference contenders. Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) missed their second straight games for Denver, while LeBron James (hamstring) and Rui Hachimura (knee) continued their longer-term absences for Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves had 22 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who have won nine consecutive home games and three straight since finishing their 0-4 road trip last Friday with a loss at Denver. Aaron Gordon scored 26 points for the Nuggets. The Lakers scored a season-high 46 points in the first quarter led by Doncic, who scorched Denver for 21 points in his highest-scoring quarter of the season. He missed the Lakers' 131-126 loss to Denver last Friday, when the Lakers nearly won without him and James.
Los Angeles led by 28 after three quarters, allowing Doncic to get extra rest amid five home games in seven days. Bronny James played the final 3:58.
Takeaways Nuggets: Even without Jokic and Murray, offense wasn't the problem. Los Angeles made 60% of its shots in the first three quarters.
Lakers: Doncic dominated early, but they're thriving with balance. Six Lakers scored in double figures, and big men Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko played solid defense.
Key moment Doncic was afire from the opening tip, scoring nine points in less than three minutes and 20 points in about eight minutes. He led an 18-2 run midway through the first quarter with three 3-pointers and three assists before cooling off.
Key stat Doncic scored 30 points for the 200th time in his NBA career. He's done it eight times in 16 games with LA.
Up next The Nuggets visit the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Lakers host the Bucks on Thursday.
Injuries continue to plague the Nuggets, as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were both sidelined for the contest against the Lakers. Jokic is dealing with a bruised right elbow, while Murray is out with a sprained right ankle. Coach Michael Malone stated, "If Nikola is not playing, it’s not because he needs rest. It’s because he’s hurt, and he’s trying to play through things that most wouldn’t." This emphasis on the health of his players comes as Denver grapples with their recent schedule and wishes to ensure Jokic and Murray return strong for the remainder of the season.
The Lakers have also faced substantial injury challenges this season, with LeBron James missing his sixth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, while Rui Hachimura missed his 11th straight game due to a knee issue. Coach JJ Redick remarked that both players are considered day-to-day, leaving their future involvement uncertain.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, fueled by the rivalry between the two teams, making the victories and performances even sweeter for fans in attendance. Luka Doncic's stellar performance was particularly noteworthy, falling just under his career average of 30 points and cementing his role as a key player within the Lakers’ lineup moving forward.
This match-up gave the Lakers a tactical advantage as they navigate the final stretch of the season, allowing them to keep pace in the playoff race. With significant victories against rivals, they build momentum into their upcoming games, looking to secure their positioning as they aim for a deep playoff run.
As the NBA season continues, teams prepare for the final push. For the Lakers, the upcoming match against the Milwaukee Bucks poses another challenge that could impact their playoff seeding, as the Bucks are known for their competitive edge and influential performance in crucial games.
