Luka Doncic's 31 Points Propel Lakers Past Nuggets in Playoff Race

The Lakers clinch postseason tiebreaker over Denver and move into third place in the Western Conference standings.

Luka Doncic scored 31 points, including 21 in the first quarter, leading the Lakers to a 120-108 victory over the Nuggets.
The Lakers' 46-point first quarter was their highest-scoring of the season and tied a franchise record with nine three-pointers made in a single quarter.
The victory marked the Lakers' ninth consecutive home win and moved them into third place in the Western Conference standings, overtaking Denver.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray missed their second straight game for the Nuggets due to injuries, while LeBron James and Rui Hachimura remained sidelined for the Lakers.
With this win, the Lakers secured the postseason tiebreaker over the Nuggets, ensuring home-court advantage in a potential playoff series.