Lakers defeat Nuggets 120-108, Doncic scores 31

Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets, scoring 31 points, with 21 coming in a dominant first quarter. The Lakers capitalized on the absence of key players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for the Nuggets, and despite being without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, they secured their third consecutive win and ninth straight at home. Doncic's performance marked his 200th career game with 30 or more points, and he emphasized the team's focus on winning each game as they aim to climb the standings. The Lakers' 46-point first quarter was their highest of the season, showcasing their offensive prowess early in the game. Austin Reaves contributed 22 points, helping the Lakers leapfrog the Nuggets to take third place in the Western Conference. The Nuggets struggled to recover after falling behind early, ultimately leading to their defeat.