In Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, the Lakers watched an early lead vanish before falling behind the Nuggets by double digits. It was the same old tale in Denver.

In Game 1 of their first-round series, the host Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103, led by Nikola Jokic’s 32 points and 12 rebounds. This victory marked the beginning of the Nuggets’ NBA title defense.

With a final score of 22 points and ten assists, Jamal Murray led Denver to its ninth consecutive victory over Los Angeles and its fifth consecutive postseason victory. Aaron Gordon finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 19 points, per the NBA website.

LeBron James scored 27 points during a quiet fourth quarter, while Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocked shots. James scored only four points in the last twelve minutes of play and didn’t try to shoot until 1:20 remained in the game.

The Nuggets’ dominant third quarter gave them the upper hand. Denver had its first lead since the opening two minutes of the game at 72-71, thanks to a 3-pointer from Porter halfway through the quarter, and the Nuggets continued to dominate.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets Had a Dominating Third Quarter

A third-quarter meltdown destroyed the Lakers’ encouraging start. Los Angeles led by three points at the half, but the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic dominated the Lakers 32–18 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead entering the fourth. Denver prevailed despite a late Lakers comeback that reduced the advantage to single digits midway through the fourth quarter.

Going ahead, the Lakers will require increased output from their bench players to defeat the reigning champions. Game Two of the series between the Lakers and Nuggets is scheduled for Monday at 10 p.m. ET.

The Lakers caused eight more turnovers and nine fewer offensive rebounds to give the Nuggets a 21-point lead on threes and 17 additional shot attempts. Even though the Lakers may never prevail against Nikola Jokic in the offensive glass, they must progress in long-range shooting and ball security to force a series.