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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.

Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Mar 19, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko (10), guard Gabe Vincent (7), forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) and guard Luka Doncic (77) defend a drive by Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a leg injury in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • 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.