Lakers Secure 120-108 Win Over Nuggets, Powered by Doncic

The Denver Nuggets faced the Los Angeles Lakers without their key players, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who both sat out due to injuries. Jokić missed his second consecutive game with a bruised right elbow, while Murray was sidelined with a sprained right ankle. Their combined absence significantly impacted the Nuggets’ performance, as they account for a substantial portion of the team’s scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals.  

Despite attempting to play, both Jokić and Murray were ultimately ruled out after pregame workouts. This marked their second consecutive game missed, following their absence in the Nuggets’ victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone defended the team’s decision to prioritize player health, emphasizing that Jokić and Murray’s absences were due to genuine injuries, not simply rest. He highlighted Jokić’s extensive playing time over the past decade and stressed the importance of protecting players as they approach the end of the season.

The Lakers were also without LeBron James, who missed his sixth straight game with a hamstring injury, and Rui Hachimura, who was out with a knee injury. Coach JJ Redick provided no update on their recovery, stating they are day-to-day.  

Luka Dončić played for the Lakers despite a right ankle sprain, having previously missed a game against the Nuggets. Nuggets guard Christian Braun returned to the lineup after missing a game due to a foot injury.  

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