The Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference Playoff series, still holding home-court advantage. Following a dominant performance in Game 1, the Nuggets hold a 1-0 lead and enter this matchup as heavy favorites to take a 2-0 series advantage. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray were sensational in the Nuggets 114-103 victory, leaving LeBron James and his Lakers splashing for air. The Lakers fought hard in the first half, leading for most of it, but the Jokić-Murray combo was a class apart. Game 2 takes place Monday night at the Ball Arena in Denver.
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Basketball: 2024 NBA Playoffs Game 2
Where to Watch: ESPN
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver
Date: 23.04.2024 05:00
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets extended their dominance over the Lakers, winning their ninth consecutive game against them. Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, orchestrated the win with a dominant 32-point, 12-rebound performance. Jamal Murray complemented Jokic perfectly, adding 22 points and ten assists. Their telepathic connection resulted in a staggering 17 assists to zero turnovers for the duo. Aaron Gordon provided hustle and energy, securing a double-double. Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 19 points and eight rebounds in a masterclass of depth and firepower of the Nuggets' offense.
LA Lakers
The Lakers started strong, with LeBron James leading the charge with 27 points and Anthony Davis adding 32. They even held the lead for most of the first half. However, a momentum-shifting 13-0 run by the Nuggets late in the third quarter snatched control of the game away from Los Angeles. Despite their veteran experience and championship pedigree, the Lakers now face an uphill battle to avoid falling into a 0-2 series deficit. Expect a more focused and desperate Lakers team in Game 2, with LeBron James needing to be more assertive offensively and involve his teammates more effectively. The supporting cast needs to step up and provide consistent scoring to lessen the burden on James and Davis. Defensively, they must contain Nikola Jokić and disrupt the Nuggets' offensive flow to stay alive in this series.
Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers are 3.30 underdogs on Betway which prices LA Lakers at 1.50 for the +10.5 handicap. Over 220 is available at 1.645 on 1XBET with the under priced at 2.2. Denver Nuggets to win the first half is 1.50 on Bet365 with a 1.90 price for the -7.5 spread. Read more here.
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