DENVER — Luka Doncic had an explosive start on Saturday night, scoring 16 points in just one quarter. This helped the Los Angeles Lakers build an early lead against the Denver Nuggets, ultimately contributing to a 123-100 victory. This win marked L.A.’s first triumph in Denver in almost three years.
Doncic finished the game with a stellar 32 points, along with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. After the game, he expressed how tough it is to compete against the Nuggets. “Winning like this is amazing for us and gives me a lot of confidence moving forward,” he said.
The Lakers’ win ended the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak and also broke their own eight-game losing streak at Ball Arena. The last time the Lakers won in Denver was on April 10, 2022.
Lakers coach JJ Redick had challenged Doncic to immerse himself in the game and even lose himself in the excitement. It was clear that Doncic accepted the challenge, showing intense focus and energy throughout the night.
“He was super dialed in,” said LeBron James, who contributed 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Doncic’s sharp shooting and enthusiastic demeanor were evident as he hit several step-back three-pointers.
In his first three games with the Lakers, Doncic had averaged 14.7 points with notable struggles in shooting. But Saturday marked a significant turning point; he led L.A. in shot attempts, going 10-for-22 from the field. Redick mentioned that Doncic would have more opportunities to control the offense moving forward.
James echoed this plan, highlighting their strong partnership on the court. “I’m a natural-born wide receiver, and he’s a natural-born quarterback,” he said, referring to their effective transitions during the game.
As Doncic gears up for his first game against the Mavericks on Tuesday, he is optimistic about his new team’s chances. “I know our goal is to win a championship,” he stated confidently. “I think we have the team for that.”
