If we look at the first game tonight (Tuesday through Wednesday) of the Western Conference Finals between Denver and the Lakers, we are facing one of the most fascinating series we've seen in recent years. A great atmosphere, a highlight game by the big stars and impressive help from the supporting cast gave spectators a chance to see a fine game that ended in a 126-132 Nuggets victory that improved to 0-1 in the series.
The one who of course again stood out for the winner was Nikola Jokic. Joker may have lost to Joel Embiid a few days ago in the battle for the regular-season MVP, but while Philadelphia's center was already flying out of the playoffs with his teammates against Boston, the Serbian recorded a crazy triple-double tonight, finishing with 34 points (12-of-17 from the field, 3-of-3 from three), 21 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray was also a formidable bastard, assisting with 31 points (12-of-20 from the field, 4-of-8 from three). Contavius Caldwell-Pope added 21, and Bruce Brown assisted them with 16.
Nikola Jokic is now the only player in NBA history with multiple Playoff games of 30+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists.
Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have each done it once:
Wilt: 37 PTS, 27 REB, 11 AST on 03/22/1967
Kareem: 38 PTS, 23 REB, 11 AST on 04/13/1970 pic.twitter.com/gbNsK6OUtg
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 17, 2023
With the loser, Anthony Davis can be very frustrated given that he also delivered an impressive game in which he scored 40 points. LeBron James also did his part statistically with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists but uncharacteristically missed twice in the final minute of the game and will try to tie the series that will last Thursday and Friday night.
🏀 FINAL SCORE 🏀
Nikola Jokic leads the @nuggets to victory in Game 1!
Jamal Murray: 31 PTS, 5 AST, 4 3PM
Anthony Davis: 40 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK
LeBron James: 26 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST
Game 2: Thursday, 8:30 PM ET | ESPN pic.twitter.com/EIHnw8yZPJ
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023
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