Nuggets survive Lakers’ second-half surge to take Game 1 in Western Conference finals

The Denver Nuggets took care of enterprise on their dwelling courtroom Tuesday evening, taking Sport 1 of the Western Convention finals from the Los Angeles Lakers, 132-126.

Nevertheless it wasn’t straightforward, as they needed to survive a strong Lakers charge within the second half. 

At first, it regarded just like the Nuggets have been going to run away with the sport after heading into halftime with a 72-54 lead. 

Los Angeles, as they confirmed the Golden State Warriors within the earlier collection, may be relentless within the second half – they usually have been simply that with clutch photographs and tighter protection.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets jogs up the courtroom through the second quarter in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers in recreation one of many Western Convention Finals at Ball Area on Might 16, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.  (Matthew Stockman/Getty Photographs)

Austin Reaves’ three-pointer with 2:18 left within the fourth quarter made it a 127-124 recreation in favor of Denver, and LeBron James had an opportunity to tie the sport when he launched a 3 of his personal down 129-126, but it surely rimmed out. 

The Lakers had simply seven turnovers within the recreation, however one got here on a vital possession down 5 factors with simply seconds left to play. James misplaced the deal with and Nikola Jokic, the MVP runner-up this season, took it away to basically ice the sport together with his free throws. 

LA knew they must cease two-time MVP winner Jokic for any likelihood at competing within the NBA finals, and now they’re actually going to have to return to the drafting board.

LAKERS HEAD COACH GIVES HILARIOIUS ANSWER WHEN ASKED HOW TO STOP NUGGETS’ NIKOLA JOKIC

Jokic was an animal to begin this recreation and his manufacturing remained regular all through. He was near a triple-double within the first half after dropping 19 factors with 16 rebounds and 7 assists. 

As he did in Video games 5 and 6 in opposition to the Phoenix Suns in the semifinals, he ended Tuesday evening with a triple-double – marking three consecutive video games conducting the feat.

Jokic completed with 34 factors, 21 rebounds and 14 assists to steer the Nuggets in all threecategories. Due to Jokic’s effort, Denver ended up out-rebounding the Lakers, 47-30, on the evening. 

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets through the second quarter in recreation one of many Western Convention Finals at Ball Area on Might 16, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  (Matthew Stockman/Getty Photographs)

Jamal Murray was additionally extremely productive on the offensive finish, dropping 31 factors with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and three steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope additionally had 21 factors, whereas Michael Porter Jr. dropped 15 and Aaron Gordon tallied 12.

James virtually joined Jokic with a triple-double after totaling 26 factors with 12 rebounds and 9 assists. Anthony Davis lead the sport with 40 factors on 14-of-23 capturing, contributing 10 boards for a double-double as effectively.

LAKERS’ D’ANGELO RUSSELL TRIES TO PROMOTE SPORTS DRINK AGAIN AFTER WIN, GETS BLOCKED

Reaves shot effectively as soon as once more, going 5-of-9 from three and 7-of-14 from the sector for 23 factors and eight assists. Rui Hachimura added 17 factors off the bench on a extremely environment friendly 8-of-11 from the sector. 

In truth, each groups shot the ball very effectively on the evening. Los Angeles shot 54.8% total and 45.8% from three-point territory, however Denver was barely higher at 54.9% total and 46.9% from three.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball throughout Spherical 3 Sport 1 of the Western Convention Finals 2023 NBA Playoffs in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers on Might 16, 2023, on the Ball Area in Denver, Colorado.  (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE through Getty Photographs)

Total, this collection is already exhibiting NBA followers that no lead is ever secure and this can be a enjoyable matchup to look at. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Sport 2 will tip off Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena.