Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 2: When, where, and how to watch the 2023 NBA Schedule game
The top-seeded Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, took a 1-0 Western Conference series lead against the Lakers after a 132-126 victory at Ball Arena in Denver.
The Nuggets entered the game with a 6-0 postseason home record, while the Lakers had won Game 1 of their previous two series on the road. The Lakers trailed by as many as 21 points in the second half before cutting the deficit to three points with just minutes remaining.
Through three-quarters of the game, Jokic was unstoppable, until Rui Hachimura switched onto the Serbian seven-footer with remarkable defensive effect in the fourth.
Jokic ended with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists, but his fadeout in the fourth quarter will be something to keep an eye on in this series.
Jamal Murray scored 31 points, while Bruce Brown scored 16 points off the bench for the Nuggets and was a key component throughout the game.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 40 points. LeBron James had 26 points and nine assists, but Austin Reaves was the late-game irritant. Reaves made big play after big play to finish with 23 points, 11 in the fourth quarter, and eight assists.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets square battle in Game 2 of their NBA Playoffs Western Conference semifinal series on Thursday.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. MST from Ball Arena in Denver.
