The winless NBA powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers suffered their fourth straight loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, adding to their dismal start to the year. Denver defeated Los Angeles with a score of 110-99, dropping the Lakers to the bottom of the Western Conference rankings at 0-4. Thanks to Nikola Jokic, who led the Nuggets to victory, scoring 31 points and 13 rebounds.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left the court after sparing his left ankle in on a drive late in the third quarter after adding 13 points to the board. Moreover, Bruce Brown added 18 points for the Nuggets, Jamal Murray claimed 13 points, and Jeff Green grabbed ten points.
The Lakers Devastating Start to the Season
On the other hand, Russell Westbrook sidelined due to a left hamstring ailment, did not participate for the Lakers. Meanwhile, LeBron James finished with 19 points, and Anthony David amassed 22 points. However, the Lakers had yet another disappointing night as they remained unable to find their mojo. They witnessed a devastating struggle in the third quarter, deciding the Lakers’ fate after squaring the scoreboard with 54-54 at the half time.
The Lakers’ 0-4 start to this season equals their 0-4 start to their 17-65 season in 2015-2016, which would be the worst in franchise history. Moreover, the Lakers have only begun a season with an 0-4 record four times in the club’s history.
The Nuggets Excel After Half Time
Los Angeles made the first basket of the third quarter before the Nuggets grabbed control of the game, which was deadlocked at halftime. Denver led by eight with 7:51 remaining in the third after a strong 12-2 run. However, James made a layup, but the Nuggets kept expanding their advantage. Moreover, Murray’s jumper, two baskets from Jokic, Gordon’s slam, Jeff Green’s three-point play, and Caldwell-driving Pope’s layup brought the score to 83-65. However, James’ 3-pointer with 8:56 remaining helped the Lakers rally in the fourth and closed the gap to seven points, but Denver soon began to pull away.
Moreover, midway through the fourth, after Jokic had made a technical free throw, Bones Hyland made a 3-pointer, Christian Braun made a free throw and a layup, and Murray sank a corner 3-pointer to bring the score to 99-84. In addition, with 2:46 left, Green’s three-point play increased the score to 108-90.
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