In basketball, some matchups become little more than games, while others are epic battles between two teams eager to taste victory, coupled with strategic wizardry, dog-fighting on individual skills, and having some of the world’s best talent on hand. The Los Angeles Lakers always provide such a great matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The intensity of the rivalry has soared with each passing year, as both
teams continue to ride high on the NBA standings. This is especially true, given that the Lakers have a rich history of championships within their bag, while the Nuggets are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the West Conference. These two franchises never fail to tease the spectator with their escapades on the hardwood.
The game did not let the fans down in their latest encounter. Every possession was, every play contributing to making the game a spectacular ride that really kept supporters on the edge of their seats. But in reality, it was the standout player statistics that stole all the limelight as how key players influence the game can be easily understood. Let’s break down the statistics for these performances and try to delve into such performances that mattered.
LeBron James: The King Still Reigns Supreme
For any game in which the Lakers participate, it is impossible not to point out the man himself. At 39 years of age, “The King” continues to so thoroughly debunk the notion that one’s becoming old saps all the youthful spark from him. In the most recent game between the Lakers and the Nuggets, James offered spectacular action that would attract the eye of everyone as much as the interest of analysts.
Key Stats:
Points:28
Assists: 10
Rebounds: 7
Steals: 3
On the other hand, LeBron was glaringly efficient as an offender. He shot 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, making him scorching hot when it comes to scoring. And as always, though, his game is about more than just points. His court vision and basketball IQ were really on full display, particularly with 10 assists, many of which were to teammates cutting to the basket or finding open looks on the perimeter.
Defensively, LeBron was game-changing, too. With 3 steals he demonstrated the ability to read passing lanes and to disrupt Denver’s rhythm in big situations. He might not be physically at his prime anymore, but it is amazing how much LeBron’s game has adapted to rely even more on intelligence, anticipation, and skill.
Anthony Davis: The Defensive Anchor
Defense is where Anthony Davis shines, and the Lakers needed a little that in this game-a peep at how much they depend on him to ensure the win. Nothing crazy coming from the offense side, but his defensive prowess completely changed the game for the team.
Key stats
Points: 18
Rebound: 14
Blocks: 5
FG%: 45%
Davis’s rim protection was the real story here. The 5 blocks weren’t just swats away from an easy Nuggets basket; they also unsettled the confidence of Denver players so that they could not approach the rim with the same ferocity they might have done otherwise. Davis’ ability to switch onto guards and forwards allowed the Lakers to play a fluid, flexible defense, neutralizing many of the Nuggets’ offensive sets.
On offense, Davis was good for 18 points, most of which were mid-range jumpers and finishes at the rim. Perhaps he hit a few more looks when open, but his unrelenting attack on the glass (14 rebounds, 5 offensive) provided the Lakers with extra opportunities. Not even highlight reels can strip from Davis’s defense what was an obvious, forceful presence.
Nikola Jokić: The Serbian Sensation
The reigning NBA MVP, Nikola Jokić, was at the top of the game plan for the Nuggets entering this game. There is simply no one more difficult for an opponent to defend than him, who has skills that would remind you of an old-school center with the ability to pass like a guard.
Again, Jokić delivered a performance which won’t soon be forgotten.
Key Stats:
Points: 32
Rebounds: 12
Assists: 9
Field Goal Percentage:52%
Jokić’s offensive production was nothing less than spectacular. The Croatian superstar can score from within with 52% shooting as well as from the arc or other parts of the floor. It is because of this reason, besides unmatched footwork and a soft touch, he could score over Davis and other defenders of the Lakers. Jokić’s ability to have a good stretch out on the floor while being a dominant force in the paint gives the Nuggets flexibility in their offensive schemes.
But what sets Jokić apart from other big men truly is his passing. Taking 9 assists on the game, Jokić often found himself dishing it out to wide open shooters and cutters, displaying pristine court vision. It makes Denver’s offense disperse right through him; when he’s hot, the Nuggets are absolutely horrid to defend.
Jamal Murray: The X-Factor
Every great team has a game-changer; for the Nuggets, that person is Jamal Murray. After coming back from injury, Murray was working himself back into his full form, and tonight was a prime example of just how deadly he could be.
Key Stats:
Points:26
Assists:5
FGPercentage: 47%
3pPercentage: 42%
Murray was a nightmare to deal with, making most shots himself, but especially from deep. He scored 26 points in stretches where, although the Lakers were trying to pull away, kept the Nuggets within striking distance. Murray’s shooting from distance (42%) made the Lakers commit much more aggressively to the three-point line, which opened up the driving lanes for Jokić and others.
While Murray is essentially a scorer, his 5 assists betrayed more the playmaker he’s turning into. He’s very good at keeping the ball in his team’s possession and often sets up two-man actions with Nikola Jokić, which become the foundation of Denver’s offense.
Austin Reaves: The Next Man Up
One of the only knocks Lakers’ depth usually suffers under is fully negated by the play of someone like Austin Reaves. He’s relatively new, so not fully yet out of his younglings stage, but the play on the floor makes one think Reaves is either a done deal for a great career in this league or at least he is becoming an important part of the Lakers’ rotation very soon.
Key Statistics:
Points:15
Assists: 4
Steals:2
Three-Point Shooting Percentage: 38%
Reaves’ 15 points may not seem like much given the star power he played with, but his contribution was priceless. Reaves hit shots at crucial times for Los Angeles, including large three-pointers that swung things back in Laker’s favor. His basketball IQ and ability to take tough shots in pressure situations is a rare commodity in young players.
On the defensive end, Reaves chipped in with 2 steals as he played some scrappy, hard-nosed defense that helped the Lakers stay with Denver’s potent offense. Hence, he makes for a versatile player whom the Lakers can rely on in both ends of the floor.
Michael Porter Jr.: The Wild Card
Michael Porter Jr. has been the Nugget’s best wild card for a few seasons running, meaning someone with unbelievable, raw talent but whose iffy body language sometimes overshadows some much-needed conviction on the court. In this game, Porter flashed brilliance that often highlighted where he still has to work.
Key Stats:
Points: 19
Rebounds 7
3-Point Percent: 45%
Porter Jr. is a dynamic scorer, and his 19 points absolutely demonstrated why-to shoot from range-they stick a gun to that kid’s scalp and have him shoot. Well, he was 45% from three-point land, and what this did was stretch out Denver’s offense to make the Lakers’ defense account for his presence on the perimeter.
On the other hand, there were some defensive breakdowns on him at the worst possible times. There were possessions in which he stayed a little too far away from his man, and that led to some breakdowns that the Lakers exploited. His rebounding was hardly disastrous, but Porter needs to bring a little of that focus and consistency on the other side if he is going to be what the Nuggets need him to be: a two-way starter.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Beyond player-by-player performances, there were specific instances within the game where a single play or sequence turned the momentum around.
LeBron’s Dagger Three
As the minutes of the game wore away, the Lakers were still up by a margin. That was when LeBron hit a deep three-pointer which seemed to suck the wind out of the sails of Denver. Along with that came a
very crucial defensive stop in the later moments of that game which helped secure that victory for the Lakers. The rise of the occasion was what LeBron demonstrated once more, even at this stage of his career, a reminder of his greatness.
Jokić’ dominance early and into mid-game kept the Nuggets within striking distance for much of the game. Then, in his worst moments, when it mattered most, his late-game shooting went cold, and the Lakers made them pay. Even when the best player on both sides is going through off moments, there
were some shots that missed late for Jokić in the fourth quarter, and the Nuggets found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard in that matter.
Davis Defensive Heroics
Anthony Davis’ block on a driving Jamal Murray in the final minute was arguably the play of the game. The Nuggets trailed by only two, and Murray had a clear lane to the basket; Davis came from the weak side to rebut the shot, taking the lead and really all but sealing the win for the Lakers. This one play summarises Davis’ value as the best defensive player in the league.
