Nuggets Defeat Lakers in Game 1, 132-126
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 132-126, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on Tuesday.
Denver leads this series, 1-0. The Nuggets will play host in Game 2 on Thursday.
While Los Angeles hit the first shot in this game, that was their only lead. Denver actually got their lead up to 21 points at times in the third quarter and only allowed LA to take one game-tying shot after the opening two minutes. That one shot happened with 56 seconds left, but LA was unable to capitalize. The Nuggets outscored the Lakers in the first half, 72-54, to take command of this game. Denver shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Lakers, 47-30.
The Lakers (0-1) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 40 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Lebron James tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves registered 23 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Rui Hachimura led the bench with 17 points. No other player had more than eight points or three rebounds.
The Nuggets (1-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 34 points, 21 rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks on 12-of-17 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Michael Porter Jr had 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Bruce Brown led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Denver leads this series, 1-0. The Nuggets will play host in Game 2 on Thursday.
While Los Angeles hit the first shot in this game, that was their only lead. Denver actually got their lead up to 21 points at times in the third quarter and only allowed LA to take one game-tying shot after the opening two minutes. That one shot happened with 56 seconds left, but LA was unable to capitalize. The Nuggets outscored the Lakers in the first half, 72-54, to take command of this game. Denver shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Lakers, 47-30.
The Lakers (0-1) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 40 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Lebron James tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves registered 23 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Rui Hachimura led the bench with 17 points. No other player had more than eight points or three rebounds.
The Nuggets (1-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 34 points, 21 rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks on 12-of-17 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Michael Porter Jr had 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Bruce Brown led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.