Introduction to the Game
The Denver Nuggets held on to defeat the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 131-126 on Friday night. Jamal Murray sank a 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left, and Russell Westbrook stole the inbounds pass for a dunk to secure the win.
Game Highlights
Murray finished with 26 points, while Nikola Jokic scored 28 points. The Nuggets’ win was not without its challenges, as the Lakers, despite being short-handed, put up a fierce fight. Austin Reaves scored 37 points, and Dalton Knecht added 32 for the Lakers.
Injuries and Player Availability
The Lakers were missing several key players, including LeBron James, who missed his third straight game with a left groin strain. Luka Doncic was also ruled out due to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain. Other players who sat out included Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent.
Notable Performances
Bronny James, LeBron’s son, scored five points after being recalled from the G League. The Lakers lost their fourth straight game despite a furious second-half rally that saw them take a 126-121 lead with 52 seconds remaining.
Turning Point
Nikola Jokic tied the game with a three-point play, and Reaves misfired from 15 feet before Murray buried the 3-pointer to seal the win for the Nuggets.
Sports News
Get today’s sports news out of Los Angeles. Here’s the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA, and more LA teams.
Recent Sports News
Other recent sports news includes the Dodgers finalizing their roster for the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, featuring two sensational starting pitching matchups. Additionally, bestselling author and sports writer John Feinstein passed away at 69.
Takeaways
Lakers: Despite feeling under the weather, Bronny James played 16 minutes.
Nuggets: Denver’s inability to pull away from a short-handed bunch could be cause for concern for a team jockeying for playoff position.
Key Moment
The Lakers were about to get blown out but used a 19-9 run to close the third quarter and cut a 13-point deficit to 102-99.
Key Stat
The Nuggets were 21 of 25 from the free throw line before halftime. The Lakers only shot seven free throws in the first half and made six.
Up Next
The Lakers host Phoenix on Sunday. The Nuggets host Washington on Saturday night, their fifth game in seven days.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers was a hard-fought victory, with the Nuggets holding on to defeat the short-handed Lakers 131-126. Despite the win, the Nuggets may have some concerns about their ability to pull away from weaker teams. The Lakers, on the other hand, can take heart from their fierce fight despite being short-handed.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the winning 3-pointer for the Nuggets?
A: Jamal Murray scored the winning 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left.
Q: Which players were missing from the Lakers’ lineup?
A: The Lakers were missing LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent.
Q: What is the Nuggets’ next game?
A: The Nuggets host Washington on Saturday night.
Q: What is the Lakers’ next game?
A: The Lakers host Phoenix on Sunday.
