The Nuggets were able to hold on at home Tuesday night and beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 132–126, in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Nikola Jokić led the way once again with another monster night as he finished with 34 points, 21, rebounds and 14 assists. The two-time NBA MVP came out flying early and secured his triple-double with just over six minutes left in the third quarter.
Jokić and Lakers star center Anthony Davis battled all night and should continue to do the same the rest of this series. Davis finished with a game-high 40 points and 10 rebounds.
Jokić was asked about Davis after the game and gave such a classy answer about his opponent:
"One of the most talented players in the league."
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023
Nikola Jokic praises Anthony Davis (40 PTS, 10 REB in Game 1) after their hard-fought matchup.#NBAConferenceFinals presented by @GooglePixel_US pic.twitter.com/IWw9YYeMyW
NBA fans loved that.
Respect. https://t.co/GIkJMvF1F5
— Picasso (@Obalexy) May 17, 2023
how can u hate this man Fr nothing but respect for jokic 💯 https://t.co/Z3DEH6t2QU
— shark🇸🇴 (@sharmake_b) May 17, 2023
love jokic man https://t.co/2UOcou8XBL
— aubrey🦉 (@PropesStetron) May 17, 2023
how can you not love Jokic? I mean seriously. https://t.co/mobgCDslHs
— B (@bcbake) May 17, 2023
both of you are incredible tonight 👏 https://t.co/UrhjCsM3dQ
— dean💜💛 (@plswinLA267) May 17, 2023
this man!😍 https://t.co/mqQznbEX7L
— Salo van Berg 💙💛 (@salovanberg) May 17, 2023
https://t.co/MksGqwxOs7 pic.twitter.com/YsmJ7XXOUW
— At- TiJany 🇸🇳❤️ (@ibn_Sally) May 17, 2023