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The Denver Nuggets have Nikola Jokic to thank as they beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-126 in an exciting Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals thanks to Nikola Jokic.
The two-time MVP took over the Nuggets' offense right away, dominating the contest from start to finish and finishing with yet another postseason triple-double of 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists.
He is the only other player to achieve a triple-double of such kind in the NBA Playoffs, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.
With six triple-doubles in a single playoff, Jokic has equaled Magic Johnson and Draymond Green for second most in NBA history.
Jokic leads Nuggets to beat Lakers in Game 1
In the opening period, he alone outrebounded the Lakers which proved crucial.
Anthony Davis, who had scored 18 points by halftime and finished with a game-high 40 points along with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, provided the Lakers' response.
Simply put, it wasn't enough to drive the Lakers to a stunning comeback.
Jokic alternated between directing the offense, going for rebounds in the paint, and attacking the rim.
Los Angeles, however, refused to give up. The Lakers continued to apply pressure to Denver's second unit in the fourth while Jokic was on the bench, and LeBron James took advantage in the post.
Jokic is attempting to guide the Nuggets to their first NBA Finals berth, but these two teams have very different playoff records.
The NBA's most decorated team is without a doubt the Lakers. Los Angeles has participated in an NBA-record 32 Finals and has won a record-tying 17 championship trophies.
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