Nikola Jokic starred as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference Finals opener.
Jokic, the NBA’s two-time most valuable player, finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists as Denver won 132-126 to go 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.
A Lakers rally cut the 21-point deficit to three in the fourth quarter, but a Jokic free throw sealed the win.
“A lot of our guys are battle tested, we’ve had a ton of close games,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.
“I didn’t think there was panic – there was balance. Our guys looked at each other and realized what we needed to do to close this game.”
Jamal Murray added 31 points for the Nuggets, with four other players posting double-digit scores.
They had a 72-54 halftime lead, but the Lakers slowly reduced their advantage in the second half before falling just short.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 40 points, LeBron James adding 26 points and Austin Reaves 23.
“We’re going to go back and watch the movie tonight and see what we need to clean up, take a look at that second half and see what went well, try to keep the good stuff going, and tone it down and fix the bad things,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.
Game 2 of the series takes place in Denver on Thursday.
Spurs set for Wembanyama pick
THE San Antonio Spurs received the first pick in next month’s NBA Draft, which puts them in pole position to land highly rated French teenager Victor Wembanyama.
The 19-year-old is being touted as a once-in-a-generation talent and the most-wanted draft pick since LeBron James entered the league in 2003.
The 7-foot-3 forward has averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game for the Metropolitans 92 in the French Pro League this season.
“I can’t really describe it, my heart is pounding,” Wembanyama told ESPN. “I have everyone I love around me, it’s a really special moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Spurs general manager Brian Wright added: “His ability to be a great teammate, his ability to think the game, unique challenges, you see him do things you wouldn’t even guess someone could do His approach, his professionalism .
“When you use the word ‘generational’ talent, it goes beyond your ability to put the ball in the basket. And it’s unique in so many ways.”
After missing the play-offs just once between 1990 and 2019, the Spurs have missed the play-offs the past four seasons and finished the regular season bottom of the Western Conference with a 22-60 record.
It’s the first time they’ve won the draw since 1997.
The Portland Trail Blazers will receive the third pick in the draft, while the Charlotte Hornets will have the second pick.
