Luka Doncic Drops 31 as Lakers Dominate Short-Handed Nuggets

Los Angeles— Luka Doncic scored 31 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and assisted seven times in three quarters. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 120-108 on Wednesday night in a showdown of injury-plagued Western Conference contenders.

Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) missed their second consecutive game for Denver, while LeBron James (hamstring) and Rui Hachimura (knee) continued their long-term absences for Los Angeles.

Austin Reaves had 22 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who have won nine consecutive home games and three in a row since ending their 0-4 road trip last Friday with a loss in Denver.

Aaron Gordon had 26 points for the Nuggets.

The Lakers scored 46 points in the first quarter, paced by Doncic, who blasted Denver for 21 points in his best quarter of the season. He missed the Lakers' 131-126 loss to Denver last Friday when they came close to winning without him and James.

Los Angeles led by 28 after three quarters, giving Doncic extra rest after five home games in seven days.

Bronny James played the last 3:58.

Key Insights

Nuggets: Even without Jokic and Murray, offense wasn't an issue. Los Angeles made 60% of its shots during the first three quarters.

Lakers: Doncic dominated early on, but they're succeeding with balance. Six Lakers scored in double figures, and big men Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko provided good defense.

Crucial Moment

Doncic was on fire from the start, scoring nine points in under three minutes and 20 in approximately eight minutes. He sparked an 18-2 run midway through the first quarter with three 3-pointers and three assists before slowing down.

Crucial Statistic

Doncic scored 30 points for the 200th time throughout his NBA career. He's done it eight times in 16 games for Los Angeles.

Coming Up Next

The Nuggets will face the Trail Blazers on Friday. On Thursday, the Lakers will host the Milwaukee Bucks.