NBA Finals roundtable: Is Nuggets center Nikola Jokic better than Celtics legend Larry Bird?

More articles on this subject

The Athletic Apr 23

Jamal Murray’s Nuggets teammates knew he would deliver big in Game 2 win over Lakers

theathletic.com/5437978/2024/04/23/jamal-murray-nuggets-lakers-game-2/

Quick Glance: Jamal Murray Leads Denver Nuggets to Impressive Victory over LA Lakers

Jamal Murray achieved an impressive 15-foot buzzer-beater over Anthony Davis to complete a sensational 20-point comeback and give the Denver Nuggets a 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. This unexpected triumph grants the defending champions a 2-0 lead in the first round, as they now prepare for the upcoming games in the Lakers' arena.

Following the game-winning shot, Jamal Murray fell into the Nuggets' bench and was embraced by his teammates, igniting the atmosphere in the Ball Arena. Murray faced a challenging start in the game, hitting only three of his first 16 shots before going 6-for-8 in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his total 20 points, including the decisive basket.

While Murray encountered difficulties, the Nuggets stayed competitive thanks to another outstanding performance by Nikola Jokić, who recorded 27 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. Michael Porter Jr. also played a crucial role in the Nuggets' victory with 22 points, including successful shooting from beyond the arc.

The Lakers expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly regarding a play in the third quarter where a foul against Porter Jr. on D'Angelo Russell was overturned after a review by the Nuggets. It is evident that the Lakers' prospects are increasingly dim after losing 10 consecutive games against the Nuggets. A monumental shift in fate will be required for Los Angeles to progress to the next round.

47 similar articles

76

6

The Athletic 18h

Can Lakers save their season in Game 3 vs. Nuggets? These 3 adjustments would help

theathletic.com/5442983/2024/04/25/lakers-nuggets-game-3-preview/

12 similar articles

24

9

thedunkcentral Apr 17

Nuggets loom, but Lakers are confident and ready for rematch: ‘We’re not ducking the smoke’

theathletic.com/5421990/2024/04/17/lakers-nuggets-playoff-rematch-zion-pelicans-play-in/

Quick Glance: Lakers Ready for Nuggets Rematch: Embracing the Challenge

The Lakers are confident and prepared to face the playoff rematch against the Nuggets, refusing to shy away from the challenge.

Despite some struggles, the Lakers prevailed against the Pelicans with a 110-106 win, securing the 7th seed in the West.

Facing injuries and fatigue, the Lakers fought hard to clinch a playoff spot, displaying resilience and determination.

Players are geared up for the upcoming challenge against the Nuggets, who have posed difficulties for the Lakers in the past, yet hope for a victory remains.

5 similar articles

12.2k

378

thedunkcentral Apr 23

Cops Investigating Nikola Jokic Brother Punch Incident, Ask Fan To Come Forward: Law enforcement officials are actively trying to track down the man who got ...

tmz.com/2024/04/23/cops-investigating-nikola-jokic-brother-punch-incident-ask-fan-come-forward/

8 similar articles

1.8k

128

The Athletic Apr 22

Anonymous NBA player poll 2024: LeBron or Jordan as the GOAT? Most overrated? Finals favorite?

theathletic.com/5433545/2024/04/22/nba-player-poll-2024-lebron-jordan-goat-celtics-nuggets-rudy-gobert-timberwolves/

Quick Glance: NBA Player Poll 2024: LeBron or Jordan as GOAT? Most Overrated? Finals Favorites?

The Athletic journalists interviewed 142 players from all 30 teams for this year's poll.

Unprecedented participation was seen, with 142 players answering questions about topics like MVP, 'most overrated,' 'player you'd least like to fight,' and new debates over the 65-game rule and the commissioner's grade.

Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were considered MVP favorites, with Jokić winning MVP and Rudy Gobert ranking fifth in the best defender vote.

Players also praised emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama and discussed the popularity of female players in basketball and other sports.

1 similar article

16

6

The Athletic Apr 21

Lakers’ promising start turns into same depressing story vs. Nuggets. `S—, it’s tough’

theathletic.com/5431885/2024/04/21/lakers-nuggets-score-lebron-james/

Quick Glance: Lakers Disappointed Against Nuggets: Prolonged Defeats

The Lakers once again left a game against the Nuggets with unanswered questions.

The streak of nine consecutive losses to the Nuggets weighs heavily on the Lakers.

The missed opportunity against the Nuggets increases the pressure on the Lakers.

The Lakers are not only battling the rest of the series, but also the history of this matchup.

1 similar article

22

6

thedunkcentral Apr 21

Dwight Howard implies Lakers should give him another chance after Game 1 loss to Nuggets: ‘I’m still in shape’

lakersdaily.com/dwight-howard-implies-lakers-should-give-him-another-chance-after-game-1-loss-to-nuggets-im-still-in-shape/

2.5k

Apr 21

Nuggets' Nikola Jokić Wears 'Despicable Me' Outfit to Lakers Game After Trailer Cameo

bleacherreport.com/articles/10117827-nuggets-nikola-jokic-wears-despicable-me-outfit-to-lakers-game-after-trailer-cameo

8 similar articles

8.9k

232

The Athletic Apr 23

LeBron James rips officiating, replay center after overturned call in Lakers’ loss to Nuggets

theathletic.com/5438803/2024/04/23/lebron-james-officiating-replay-lakers-nuggets/

16 similar articles

21

13

The Athletic Apr 11

Nuggets’ path to No. 1 gets clearer. Plus, are the Mavericks legitimate contenders?

theathletic.com/5407831/2024/04/11/nikola-jokic-nuggets-luka-doncic-mavericks-nba-playoffs-the-bounce/

Quick Glance: Nuggets' Path to No. 1 and Mavericks' Playoff Surge

Nuggets defeat Wolves to reclaim top spot in the West. Coach Malone sends a strong message against Minnesota.

Suns and Mavs enhance playoff standings. Mavs dominate with 16 wins in last 18 games.

Rookie Chet Holmgren shines for Thunder. Preview of award season and the top contenders in various categories.

Mavericks emerge as a strong playoff contender with impressive win streaks and improved performances in offense and defense.

200

Apr 21

LeBron James, Lakers Ripped By NBA Fans for 3Q Collapse in Loss to Jokić, Nuggets

bleacherreport.com/articles/10117834-lebron-james-lakers-ripped-by-nba-fans-for-3q-collapse-in-loss-to-jokic-nuggets

5.5k

Apr 22

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets Game 2 odds, picks and predictions: The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets face off Monday in Game 2 of their best-of-7 ...

usatoday.com/story/sports/sports-betting/2024/04/22/los-angeles-lakers-at-denver-nuggets-game-2-odds-picks-and-predictions-2/73408703007/

8 similar articles

496

89