The Los Angeles Lakers achieved one of their most remarkable victories of the season on Saturday, defeating the Denver Nuggets 123-100 at Ball Arena. Luka Doncic guided the Lakers with an impressive display and stated after the game that this team possesses the capability to achieve victory in all.
“Our objective is to secure the championship,” Doncic stated. “That is our sole aim.” “I believe we possess the team necessary for that.”
Whether the Lakers have what it takes to win the championship is uncertain, but one thing is certain: they will cause opponents a lot of trouble if Doncic performs as he did in this game. The 25-year-old notched 32 points (10-22 FG), grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists, made four steals, and recorded one block versus the Nuggets.
Doncic established the rhythm early for the Lakers in this game, scoring 16 points in just the first quarter. He cut through that Nuggets defense effortlessly and seemed to finally be returning to his prime.
Doncic wasn’t the only Laker to shine that night, as nearly every player on the squad showcased their best performance as well. LeBron James scored 25 points (11-19 FG), grabbed nine rebounds, recorded five assists, made one steal, and had three blocks, while Austin Reaves contributed 23 points (7-13 FG), with four rebounds, seven assists, and one block
As if Doncic, James, and Reaves shining wasn’t sufficient, Rui Hachimura additionally tallied 21 points (7-12 FG), four assists, and one steal. If the Lakers can achieve this level of output from these four, they will be exceedingly difficult to defeat.
Another impressive aspect of this performance by the Lakers was their defense. They limited the Nuggets to only 40% shooting from the floor and compelled 22 turnovers. The Lakers also succeeded in limiting Nikola Jokic, as the defending MVP scored merely 12 points (2-7 FG), along with 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal.
The primary problem with these Lakers was that they lack a starting-quality big man, and Jokic was expected to excel because of this. They overwhelmed him by launching several bodies at him, and it will be fascinating to observe if this tactic succeeds in the future too.
Returning to the main subject, Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned before the game that he advised Doncic to have a ‘blackout episode’ versus the Nuggets. Redick wished for the five-time All-Star to shout at the void and embrace the killer he truly is. It’s fair to say he received precisely what he requested.
Doncic was highly charged in this match and even received a technical foul for voicing his displeasure over a no-call. That was the moment you realized he was completely back, though Redick wouldn’t want him to accumulate too many technicals from then on
Doncic mentioned during his postgame courtside interview that he truly felt like himself in this matchup versus the Nuggets, which ought to alarm the rest of the NBA. The squad that ought to be especially frightened right now is the one the Lakers face next, the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers and Mavericks are set to clash at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday at 10 PM ET, and you can be sure Doncic will be determined in that matchup. He will be resolute in making a statement against his previous team and anticipate witnessing some Luka Magic
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