DENVER—The new-look Los Angeles Lakers secured a stunning 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on February 22, 2025, ending the Nuggets' impressive nine-game winning streak. The Lakers implemented a well-crafted game plan aimed directly at limiting the touches of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who struggled throughout the night, taking only seven shots from the field.
Former NBA player and current Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed the tactical approach before the game, expressing confidence in its execution to halt the Nuggets' offensive momentum. The Lakers thrived on the strategy, forcing Denver to commit 20 turnovers, which translated to 33 fast-break points for Los Angeles. Right from the tip-off, the Lakers established their dominance, leading by as much as 26 points in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers' strategy mirrored playoffs past, focusing on swarming the paint and keeping the ball out of Jokic’s hands. Redick noted, “You try to limit his touches is what it come down to… it’s hard.” Nuggets’ coach Michael Malone echoed this sentiment after the game, stating, “What’s the best way to stop players? Don’t let them touch it.”
Despite Jokic finishing with a triple-double—scoring 12 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists—his offensive contributions were limited, and he committed six turnovers, marking this game as one of his least productive performances of the season.
The Lakers capitalized not only on defensive execution but also on their offensive output, with Luka Doncic stepping up to score 32 points, including 16 points in the first quarter. LeBron James supported the effort with 25 points, helping the Lakers become the dominant force on the court with four players scoring over 20 points. This marked the end of the Nuggets' 13-of-14 win streak against the Lakers under the coaching of Malone.
Reflecting on the loss, Malone commented, “That’s when you have to rely upon your defense. And it was just rough night all around for us.” The Nuggets, who averaged 128 points during their winning streak, fell short with only 100 points, raising concerns about their current roster makeup. The realization was clear; the team is filled with players who excel offensively but lack defensive prowess.
Heading forward, the Nuggets are gearing up for a tough four-game East Coast road trip starting against Indiana. Malone emphasized the need for improvement: “No one’s gonna be scared of the Denver Nuggets coming to town.” This challenging stretch will test the Nuggets, especially as they aim to regain their form and solidify their playoff placement.
Looking at the matchup between the Lakers and Nuggets, the significance of Doncic's recent transfer to Los Angeles cannot be overlooked. His arrival bolstered the Lakers' offensive capabilities, creating intriguing possibilities for future contests against Denver. Can the Lakers maintain this momentum, or will the Nuggets find answers and bounce back quickly?
Malone concluded, “We have to play a lot smarter and with more urgency. This was just one game, but it’s the way the NBA works. We’ll stew on it, watch tape, and aim to be ready for our next opponent.” With the backdrop of this game rippling through the NBA, fans are left eagerly anticipating how these teams will evolve as they approach postseason play.
The game brought to light not just the tactical struggles of the Nuggets but the potent blend of talent the Lakers now possess. It highlights how the dynamics of the league are forever shifting, influenced by player interactions and strategic battles on and off the court. One thing is for sure; the rivalry between these two teams is only just heating up.