“Nikola Jokic Leads Denver Nuggets to Victory Against Lakers in NBA Western Conference Finals Opener”

Nikola Jokic, author of a triple-double to 34 points and decisive in the last seconds, guided the Nuggets to victory (132-126) against the Lakers, who came close to a fantastic comeback in the first game, panting, of their Western Conference Finals on Tuesday in the NBA.

For a long time, Denver thought it was heading for an authoritarian and unquestionable success at home, with a lead of up to 21 units in the second quarter. But Los Angeles was then able to resurface in the wake of Anthony Davis, who fought a daunting duel with the Serb by scoring 40 points (at 14/23 to shoot, 10 rebounds).

“In the first half we were really good, we controlled the game, we controlled everything, the rhythm, the defense… And in the next we lost control and calm with it”, commented the double MVP (2021 , 2022).

“We knew they could come back (to score), they’re a tough team to play. But whether you win by one point or 20 in the play-offs, it doesn’t matter, a win is a win,” he added.

Two strong images symbolized his high-flying face-off with Davis. First when he planted, in the face of his rival, who smiled in spite, his third three-point basket of the evening (100%), at the buzzer of the third quarter.

– Jokic ahead of James and Robertson –

Then, when the inside of the Lakers countered him fiercely in the money-time, initiating a short empty pass from the Serb who then lost a ball with a bad pass and missed a shot near the circle, something unusual for him.

But it was the “Joker” who saved Denver a big disappointment, by making four crucial free throws in the last 26 seconds, with an interception in the meantime at the expense of LeBron James, while the Lakers had returned to a gap possession (129-126).

“LBJ” did not deserve anything in this meeting, still doing a monster job at 38, since he came close to a triple-double (26 pts, 12 rebounds, 9 assists), Austin Reaves, revelation of the season at the Californians, also distinguishing themselves (23 pts) with in particular two successive award-winning baskets which contributed to making the Nuggets much less serene.

Speaking of triple-double, the one achieved by Jokic makes him the leader in history, at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the play-offs, with now four to his name, one more than. .. the “King James” and Oscar Robertson.

The Serb has as often found valuable relays in attack, starting with Jamal Murray author of 31 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, former Lakers house, adding 23.

– “Do not panic” –

“KCP” was in 2020 in the opposite camp when LA managed to quite easily eliminate Denver (4-1) in the Orlando anti-Covid bubble, on the road to a 17th title (equaled record, which still stands with Boston).

The Lakers, who also lead 3-0 in their face-to-face in the Western Conference final, have seen that the Nuggets, not first in the regular season for nothing in the West, are of another ilk , as evidenced by their ability to stay the course despite the comeback hanging in their face.

“A lot of our players are used to fighting because we’ve played a lot of close matches this season. There was no panic, there was calm. Our guys looked at each other and understood what had to be done to conclude,” said coach Michael Malone.

And to add: “we know that winning the second meeting will be even more difficult, but I think that we will be better”.

“We’ll watch the video and see what we need to correct, also see what worked. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be ready for the second round,” said Darvin Ham, coach. of the Lakers.

Appointment is made Thursday, still in Colorado.