All eyes were obviously on LeBron James in the first quarter, and for this match overall. But it is Nikola Jokic who shines the most individually, with twelve points. The Nuggets pivot is aggressive to respond to a collective and efficient Los Angeles team (33-27). An impression confirmed in the second quarter, after LeBron James' basket which allowed him to reach 40,000 points.
The Lakers rotate the ball very well and are a notch above the Nuggets (66-58). We then have to hold on, after halftime, and it's not easy with Michael Porter Jr. as skillful as he can be since he doesn't miss a shot and Jamal Murray who is mounting pressure. Denver equalizes then goes in front because Jokic, discreet in the second act, makes the baskets. Before the last quarter, the two teams are tied (89 all).
The Michael Porter Jr. – Jamal Murray duo continued their effort with winning shots at the start of the fourth quarter. LeBron James then responds with a basket plus the foul then a 3-point shot.
He continues with penetrations but the reigning champions are very strong and Jamal Murray takes control in the “money time”. The Nuggets managed the most important moment better and won quite logically (114-124) in this remake of the last conference final. Who experienced a similar scenario.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– LeBron James opens the 40,000 point club. It was expected and it was at the start of the second quarter, on a left-handed layup, that LeBron James became the first player in history to reach 40,000 points scored in his career.
– Perfection according to Michael Porter Jr. The Denver winger was received 10/10 since he did not miss a shot in the game! He finished with 25 points at 10/10 on the shoot including 5/5 at 3-pts. If we add his 10 rebounds, we have a particularly solid game in which he didn't force anything, only taking the right shots.
– The Lakers’ bench is too weak. If all the Los Angeles starters posted at least 17 units, the Lakers replacements only scored 12 points in total and not with an unforgettable percentage (31% success). Opposite, Justin Holiday alone scored 13 points coming off the bench…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
