Since the All-Star break, the Denver Nuggets have been on a roll, showing a renewed focus on defense.
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Since the All-Star break, the Denver Nuggets have been on a roll, showing a renewed focus on defense. They’ll be putting their five-game winning streak to the test when they play the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The game will also be a chance to see LeBron James in action as he closes in on 40,000 career points. He’s just nine points away from reaching that milestone.
The Nuggets managed to win two games in a row at home by keeping the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat under 100 points each. This is the first time they’ve achieved this feat in consecutive games this season. They’ve only managed to keep an opponent under 100 points five times this season.
In their 103-97 win against the Heat on Thursday, Michael Porter Jr. had a big game with 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic contributed 18 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. This game marked the end of Jokic’s streak of four consecutive triple-doubles. It was also a rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals, which Denver won in five games.
For the Lakers, Castleton (wrist injury), Vanderbilt (foot injury), Vincent (knee injury), and Wood (knee injury) will not be playing the game. Besides, James is questionable due to an ankle injury. As for the Nuggets, Cancar (knee injury), Key (personal reasons), and Murray (ankle injury) will be sitting this one out.
The Nuggets have won both games against the Lakers this season and have won three straight going back to last season. The most recent victory over Los Angeles was a 114-106 road win on February 8th, with Murray scoring 29 points and adding 11 assists.
Despite Denver’s recent strong defense, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to stop history from being made. LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is on the verge of becoming the first player in league history to reach the 40,000-point mark.
Anthony Davis had a huge game against the Wizards on Thursday, scoring 40 points and grabbing 15 rebounds as the Lakers won their ninth game in 12 tries. This was his third game of the season with at least 40 points.
He also scored over 40 points in the league’s in-season championship game, which doesn’t count in the regular-season standings, putting up 41 points in the win over Indiana. Now, LeBron James will have his chance at a milestone that has been out of reach for many, and it will happen in a game broadcasted nationally.
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