On February 22, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers put on an impressive display of teamwork and defense, defeating the Denver Nuggets 123-100 at Ball Arena, effectively snapping the Nuggets' nine-game winning streak. This victory marked the Lakers' first win against the Nuggets on their turf since April 10, 2022.
Head coach of the Lakers, JJ Redick, praised the game plan aimed at limiting the touches of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. "You try to limit his touches. That’s what itcomes down to. He’s so big. He’s so smart..." Redick stated before the game. The strategy was evident as the Lakers successfully stifled Jokic's offensive influence, holding him to just 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, well below his usual output.
Despite posting his 26th triple-double of the season, Jokic only managed to take seven shots, making just two. His coach, Michael Malone, expressed frustration after the game, commenting, "It speaks to their aggression, their physicality and our inability to handle it. That falls on me to get the team ready to play. We were outplayed tonight. We were outcoached tonight..." Malone noted how the Lakers' aggressive defense, which included double-teaming and fronting Jokic on the elbows, significantly impacted their offense.
The Nuggets were off balance, and their potent offense crumbled under the Lakers' pressure, resulting in 22 turnovers, which the Lakers capitalized on, converting them to 39 points. Jamal Murray pointed out the significance of these turnovers, stating, "If you take the turnovers away, I think it’s a pretty close game." Murray himself committed five turnovers during the match, contributing to the Nuggets' 11 points off the Lakers' nine turnovers.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 24 points, showcasing his skill, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Lakers. Murray added 19 points, but the Lakers' relentless defense proved decisive. Luka Doncic was the star of the night, scoring 32 points, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists, demonstrating his burgeoning impact since joining the Lakers. His performance was pivotal as the Lakers built and maintained their lead throughout the game.
With this win, the Lakers also saw contributions across the board, with LeBron James scoring 25 points, Austin Reaves adding 23, and Rui Hachimura contributing 21 before exiting the game due to injury. The Lakers showcased depth and versatility, with four players scoring over 20 points—a telling feat against the stout Nuggets. Regarding the overall game flow, the Lakers never trailed, leading 38-31 at the end of the first quarter and extending their lead to 63-54 by halftime.
A highlight of the game was Austin Reaves’ stunning behind-the-back assist to LeBron James, who finished the play with authority through contact. It was moments such as these, along with the team’s overall athleticism and speed, which helped them dominate the fast-break category, where they outscored the Nuggets 33-9.
The matchup also held historical significance as the Lakers aimed to overcome the ghost of past playoff eliminations by the Nuggets. Given the roster changes since last season, particularly the addition of Doncic, the Lakers were eager to turn the page. Indeed, Redick said prior to the matchup, "We have our game plan, and we think we can execute it," which they did with aplomb.
Despite the Nuggets' strong record of 37-20 prior to this game, this defeat served as a wake-up call. With the loss, their season roadmap curves too, as their subsequent matchups will be insightful for their playoff preparation—especially when they face the same Lakers team again on March 14.
Los Angeles improved to 34-21 and is just half a game behind the Houston Rockets, bolstering their position for the playoffs. The game also sets the stage for their next encounter as both teams are likely to square off again come playoff time, forming yet another chapter of this growing rivalry. With the playoffs fast approaching, both teams will need to recalibrate and prepare as they look to secure favorable positions.
This game wasn't just another regular-season battle; it exemplified the significant evolution of the Lakers under Redick's coaching, showcased their ability to adapt, and highlighted how NBA seasons are like chess games, where strategy, execution, and sometimes, sheer willpower determine the ultimate victor.