Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 132-126 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night. Jokic recorded his third consecutive triple-double, finishing the night with 34 points, 21 rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks. The superstar came out aggressive, dominating the glass with six offensive rebounds in the first quarter alone. By halftime, Jokic had outrebounded the entire Lakers team 16-13. On offense, Jokic was just as dominant, putting the ball on the floor and driving hard on Anthony Davis and any other Lakers defender. By the end of the third quarter, Jokic had 31 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 assists, helping Denver lead by as much as 21 points.
Jokic Makes NBA Postseason History
Jokic is the first player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles while shooting 70% from the field in NBA postseason history, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He has achieved this feat in each of his past two games. Jokic’s dominant performance was not lost on his teammates, with Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon stating that Jokic makes it look both simple and miraculous at the same time. Lakers guard and former Nugget Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also had high praise for Jokic, stating that he loves playing with the willing passer and dominant big man down low.
Despite Jokic’s dominant performance, the Lakers clawed their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to three multiple times within the final 2:18. However, Jokic hit Caldwell-Pope for a driving finger roll with 1:53 to go. When the Lakers got back within three, Jamal Murray got a steal, and Jokic hit four free throws to seal the game. Coach Michael Malone acknowledged that the Nuggets still have much work to do despite their win, and Jokic might have to be even better in Game 2.
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