On Thursday, the Denver Nuggets will host Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to improve upon their perfect home playoff record.
Latest news on LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic
The Nuggets won the series opener on Tuesday, 132-126, thanks to two huge performances from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and plenty from the rest of the team.
Jokic’s triple-double of 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists led a Nuggets offense that put up its best point total in any of its first 12 playoff games.
As of right now, Denver’s home playoff record is a perfect 7-0.
By the end of the first half, Jokic was three assists away from achieving his triple-double, it was his third 30-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist performance in the last five games.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray scored 31 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points for the Nuggets.
Despite Denver’s 1-0 series advantage, both clubs left with dreams of advancing to the NBA Finals.
The LA Lakers will have high hopes for Game 2. D’Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder, and Austin Reaves formed a trio of guards to open the game, but they eventually subbed in Rui Hachimura and used a larger lineup in the final period.
A pair of free throws by LeBron James with 1:12 remaining brought the Lakers within a possession twice down the stretch. In the contest, James scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out nine assists.
According to Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com, James (foot) will play in Thursday’s Game 2 against the Nuggets.
James has played through a persistent foot injury that has plagued him throughout the playoffs.
The star forward, who played all 40 minutes of Game 1 and scored 26 points, grabbed 12 boards, dished out nine assists, and blocked one shot, should be well enough to go for Game 2.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis had 40 points (14-23 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 11-11 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and three steals in the first game.
Davis had a dominating performance on both ends of the court in Tuesday’s Game 1 loss, leading all players in scoring with 40 points and registering five steals and blocks.
Even though they lost, the Lakers will go into Game 2 with their heads held high since they were able to dominate the Nuggets in the fourth quarter after getting off to a slow start.
Davis’ right foot ailment has made him questionable for every playoff game thus far, but he has played in every one.
The Lakers’ chances of upsetting the number one seeded Nuggets require Davis to perform at a high level every game. His play in the postseason thus far suggests he is ready for the pressure.
Lakers injuries:
- LeBron James (Foot) – Questionable
- Anthony Davis (Foot) – Questionable
- Mo Bamba (Ankle) – Out
Nuggets injuries:
- Collin Gillespie (Lower Leg) – Out for the season
