Nikola Jokic gets 38, leads Nuggets past LeBron James-less Lakers

Nikola Jokic had 38 factors, 18 rebounds and 6 assists, and the Denver Nuggets moved into fifth place within the Western Convention with a 129-118 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Will Barton scored 25 factors and Aaron Gordon added 24 factors and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, who capitalized on LeBron James’ absence with a fourth-quarter surge to seize their fourth win in 5 video games.

“Very satisfying, figuring out the state of affairs, 4 video games to go (when) you’ve obtained individuals proper behind you, pushing you,” Denver coach Michael Malone mentioned. “This was an vital highway win. We’ve been an awesome highway staff all common season lengthy. … When it mattered most, we have been capable of get stops.”

Denver moved a half-game forward of Utah for the fifth spot within the playoff image, getting additional insurance coverage towards being compelled into the play-in event.

“I believe it is a actually vital win for us,” Jokic mentioned. “I am simply glad that we’re profitable. If we’re enjoying unhealthy and we’re profitable, that is a very powerful factor. I believe it was actually collective play that we did collectively, however hopefully we are able to stick with it to separate additional and be even higher.”

Anthony Davis had 28 factors, 9 rebounds and eight assists for the Eleventh-place Lakers, whose play-in hopes waned additional with their sixth consecutive loss. Los Angeles has misplaced 28 of 38 since Jan. 7. Russell Westbrook added 27 factors and Carmelo Anthony had 17.

The Lakers have been aggressive towards a superior opponent, but could not overcome the absence of the NBA’s main scorer, who sat for the fourth time in six video games to relaxation his sprained left ankle. James dropped 38 factors within the Lakers’ loss to New Orleans on Friday night time, however decided he could not get well from that exertion rapidly sufficient to face the Nuggets in an early sport.

“We do not fear concerning the math,” coach Frank Vogel mentioned. “We fear concerning the subsequent sport. Study the teachings from this sport, take them to the subsequent sport and hopefully get a win towards Phoenix (on Tuesday).”

Davis was glorious in his second sport again from a six-week harm absence, however this sport was one more missed alternative for James, Davis and Westbrook to play collectively. Damage issues for James and Davis have restricted the trio to 21 shared video games this season.

“We didn’t anticipate to solely have 21 video games collectively, however that’s been all yr,” Davis mentioned. “The occasions we have been collectively, we seemed good. … That being mentioned, we nonetheless have sufficient (gamers) to play a basketball sport. We’ll proceed to struggle this manner, give ourselves an opportunity and see what occurs.”

TIP-INS

Nuggets: Barton wasn’t cleared to play till shortly earlier than the sport as a result of he has a knee harm, Malone mentioned. … Malone reiterated his dislike for the play-in event earlier than the sport. He believes it needs to be used solely when the ninth- and Tenth-place groups are extraordinarily near the groups above them. … DeMarcus Cousins had 14 factors towards his former staff.

Lakers: The Lakers started Sunday one sport behind San Antonio for Tenth place within the West and the ultimate spot within the play-in event. The Spurs additionally maintain the tiebreaker over LA, that means the Lakers face lengthy odds. … Anthony returned from a non-COVID sickness. … Davis had his first back-to-back 20-point video games since Feb. 8.

SCORING RACE

The 37-year-old James has to play in at the very least two of the Lakers’ closing 4 video games to qualify for the scoring title, which might be solely the second of his profession and first since 2008. He started Sunday forward of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid by a fraction of a degree.

TAKING CARE OF TURNOVERS

Jokic dedicated turnovers on the Nuggets’ first two possessions of their first sport since they made 18 turnovers in an unsightly residence loss to Minnesota — after which the MVP quipped: “How good are we at turning the ball over? We’re so good that it’s loopy.” Denver completed with solely 12 turnovers towards the Lakers, together with simply two within the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT

Nuggets: Host Spurs on Tuesday.

Lakers: At Suns on Tuesday.