Lakers Defeat Nuggets in Game 1, 126-114
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 126-114, in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in Orlando on Friday.
While the 12-point final scoreline looks somewhat close, many of Denver's starters didn't even play in the fourth quarter. The reason for that is because Los Angeles led by 11 points at the half and by 24 headed into the fourth quarter. In fact, they outscored them in the middle quarters, 67-41. Prior to that, there were seven ties and five lead changes in total. The Lakers ended up recording 33 assists to 11 turnovers while the Nuggets had just 23 assists to 16 turnovers. In addition, Los Angeles shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Lakers (1-0) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 37 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. LeBron James amassed 15 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 18 points. Dwight Howard led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Rajon Rondo provided seven points and nine assists.
The Nuggets (0-1) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray totaled 21 points and five assists. Jerami Grant accumulated nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Michael Porter Je led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Mason Plumlee had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
Game 2 will be played on Sunday.
While the 12-point final scoreline looks somewhat close, many of Denver's starters didn't even play in the fourth quarter. The reason for that is because Los Angeles led by 11 points at the half and by 24 headed into the fourth quarter. In fact, they outscored them in the middle quarters, 67-41. Prior to that, there were seven ties and five lead changes in total. The Lakers ended up recording 33 assists to 11 turnovers while the Nuggets had just 23 assists to 16 turnovers. In addition, Los Angeles shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Lakers (1-0) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 37 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. LeBron James amassed 15 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 18 points. Dwight Howard led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Rajon Rondo provided seven points and nine assists.
The Nuggets (0-1) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray totaled 21 points and five assists. Jerami Grant accumulated nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Michael Porter Je led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Mason Plumlee had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
Game 2 will be played on Sunday.