The Denver Nuggets slowed down the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers at the Ball Arena. Note that Denver has +1,000 odds to win this year’s title, while the Lakers have +2,500 odds per BetOnline. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis both out, the Lakers still had the services of Russell Westbrook. It all came to nothing as the Nuggets were able to avoid a run in the second and third quarters thanks to huge plays from the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Murray finished with a season-high 34 points. Meanwhile, Jokic recorded his 11th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists (a season-high for MVP). Night due to its effectiveness in other aspects of the game.
The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-109
Nikola Jokic inches closer to LeBron James’ career triple-double
Jokic continues to top the all-time triple-double list. He’s not chasing anyone but LeBron James. He’s only 18 more away from capturing Joker’s 87th career triple and king tonight. Of course, James is still playing, and at a very high level. So he could add to his total as the season progresses. Still, being mentioned in the same breath as the great LeBron James means you’re doing something in the NBA today.
Nikola Jokic is having another MVP-like campaign. Coming into this matchup, Jokic was averaging a triple-double of 25.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game. He has improved his three-point shooting since the start of the season. His percentage from beyond the arc has now risen to 36.8 percent. Jokic’s three-point percentage was in the low 30s early in the regular season. Nikola Jokic is proving once again why he is the back-to-back MVP this year. With how well a healthy roster is playing right now, it’s easy to see why the Denver Nuggets are currently at the top of the Western Conference.
The Nuggets continue to dominate at home this season
The Denver Nuggets continued their dominant home stand against the Los Angeles Lakers. After tonight’s win, the team has a 17-3 record at home this year. That’s right, you read that right. Not the Warriors, not the Celtics, not the Nets. But the Nuggets are currently the most dominant home team in the NBA. Denver has always been known for their home-court advantage. In the past, it was mainly their high altitude and quick play that made them the best opponents. However, with three quality units in MVP Nikola Jokic along with Jamaal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets have become the dominant home team in our current era. After tonight one thing is certain. The Denver Nuggets are not to be taken lightly when they play at the Ball Arena.
