NBA Western Conference Finals: Nuggets Edge Lakers in Game 1
WEB LAL 126 vs DEN 132
Box Score, Shot Charts, and Play-by-Play Summary
The Denver Nuggets stole home-court advantage from the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening game of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night, securing a 132-126 victory at the Pepsi Center. The Lakers, who finished the regular season with the league's best record, were outplayed by a motivated Nuggets squad eager to prove they belonged on the NBA's biggest stage.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver with a dominant performance, finishing with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jamal Murray added 26 points, while Will Barton and Paul Millsap each chipped in with 19 points off the bench.
The Lakers were led by LeBron James, who scored 28 points but struggled with his shot, converting just 10 of 24 attempts. Anthony Davis added 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 19 points.
The Nuggets jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They led by as many as 15 points in the third quarter before the Lakers made a late run to cut the deficit to single digits. However, the Nuggets held on to secure the victory.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for Thursday night at the Pepsi Center. The Lakers will be looking to even the series and regain home-court advantage.
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