Nikola Jokic has scored 32 factors and grabbed 12 rebounds to steer defending NBA champions Denver previous LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103 of their Western Conference playoffs sequence opener.
Two different Nuggets gamers posted double-doubles – Jamal Murray (22 factors, 10 assists) and Anthony Gordon (12 factors, 11 rebounds) – and Michael Porter Jr. got here shut with 19 factors and eight boards.
James had 27 factors for the Lakers and Anthony Davis had 32 factors and 14 rebounds, however the Lakers misplaced to the Nuggets for the ninth consecutive time and Denver handed James simply his fourth loss in 17 first-round openers.
James didn’t try a shot within the ultimate interval till there was 1:20 left and had solely 4 factors within the ultimate 12 minutes.
Seeking to change into the primary staff to efficiently defend the NBA title since Golden State six years in the past, the Nuggets entered the playoffs assured after tying a franchise report with 57 common season wins, 4 greater than final 12 months.
In Saturday’s different Western Conference playoffs sequence opener, third-seeded Minnesota crushed Phoenix 120-95 in Minneapolis.
Anthony Edwards had 33 factors and 9 rebounds whereas Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 factors and Nickeil Alexander-Walker 18 as they led the Timberwolves to their first Game 1 dwelling win within the playoffs in 20 years.
Kevin Durant scored 31 factors on 11-for-17 capturing to steer the sixth-seeded Suns, whose disadvantages in depth and measurement have been exploited.
Devin Booker had 18 factors on 5-for-16 capturing and Bradley Beal added 15 factors, however the Suns have been outrebounded 52-28 and outscored 52-34 within the paint by the Wolves.
In New York, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart every scored 22 factors and Deuce McBride led an enormous effort by the bench with 21 because the Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104 of their Eastern Conference first-round opener.
Sixers’ famous person Joel Embiid showing to reinjure his surgically repaired left knee on a dunk within the second quarter however he returned and rallied the 76ers into the lead within the second half.
Embiid completed with 29 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 factors.
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell stepped up with 30 factors whereas Jarrett Allen had 18 rebounds for the Cavaliers as they defeated Orlando 97-83 within the different Eastern Conference recreation 1.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero scored 24 factors in his playoff debut, however had 9 turnovers. The Magic shot simply 33 per cent from the sector.
Australian veteran Joe Ingles performed quarter-hour off the bench for the Magic, including two assists, 4 rebounds and a steal however only one level.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
