Nuggets weather Lakers storm, and there’s no championship hangover in Denver

The Denver Nuggets are off to a strong start this season, showing no signs of a championship hangover. After an electrifying ring ceremony in front of a raucous home crowd, the Nuggets quickly shifted their focus to the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver dominated from the beginning, taking a commanding 34-20 lead in the first quarter and holding off multiple Lakers comebacks to secure a 119-107 victory. The Nuggets showcased their commitment to defending their title with an impressive performance from Nikola Jokić, who recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Nuggets capitalized on the energy of the ring ceremony, establishing an 18-point lead in the first half. However, they faced a resilient Lakers team that closed the deficit to 63-54 at halftime and started the second half with a 4-0 run. Head coach Michael Malone called a timeout to regroup, and the Nuggets responded with an and-1 layup by Jamal Murray, assisted by Jokić. This combination proved successful in last season’s playoffs and propelled the Nuggets to a 7-0 run. Although the Lakers made their challenges, the Nuggets remained composed and delivered a strong response, impressing Malone with their poise.

Despite a late push from the Lakers, the Nuggets held their ground in the fourth quarter. The Lakers made a 13-0 run, led by LeBron James, to come within three points of the Nuggets. However, Denver once again relied on Jokić to regain control. As a play broke down, Aaron Gordon passed to Christian Braun, who found Jokić wide open beyond the arc. Jokić drained the three-pointer, giving the Nuggets a 97-90 advantage and re-establishing their dominance. From that point on, the Lakers couldn’t mount another threat, and Nuggets fans celebrated the victory with a chant directed at their opponents. This win marks the sixth consecutive victory for the Nuggets against the Lakers, including a four-game sweep in last season’s Western Conference finals.

Jokić’s impact extended beyond his offensive contributions. He frustrated Anthony Davis defensively, holding him scoreless in the second half while limiting him to 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting for the game. LeBron James led the Lakers’ efforts with 21 points, but Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided crucial scoring for the Nuggets with 21 and 20 points, respectively. This gritty win against a strong contender serves as a solid foundation for the Nuggets as they navigate the challenges of defending their title. Malone emphasized the need for the team to move forward from last season’s success and embrace the target on their backs. Murray echoed this sentiment, expressing the team’s determination to chase another championship.