'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets tipoff Game 2 of their 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series on Monday night. The Lakers blew a golden opportunity to break their eight-game losing streak in Saturday's season opener after bottling a 12-point first-half lead in the 114-103 loss.
The Nuggets schooled the Lakers in the second half and in the clutch to secure their ninth straight win over the 17-time NBA champions. Nikola Jokic paved the way with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists on 65.2% shooting, while Jamal Murray had 22 points and 10 assists in the win. The rest of the starters also scored in double-digits.
The Nuggets dominated the rebounding battle, especially on the offensive glass, with 15 rebounds, helping them gain a significant advantage in second-chance points. They attempted 23 more shots than LA. The Nuggets also hurt the Lakers in transition with a 21-14 fastbreak points disparity.
The Lakers got 27 points and eight assists from LeBron James, while Anthony Davis produced 32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. However, the rest of the group's off night damaged LA's shot at stealing homecourt in Game 1.
D'Angelo Russell was one of the biggest letdowns after he went 6 of 20 from the floor and had several defensive miscues that proved decisive in the second half.
LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Reports for Game 2
LA Lakers injury report
The Lakers' injury report for Game 2 is the same as Game 1, with LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (back) listed as probable. Meanwhile, Jalen Hood-Schifino (back), Cam Reddish (ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) are all sidelined.
Denver Nuggets injury report
The Nuggets remain healthy, with only Vlatko Cancar mentioned on their injury report.
Christian Wood reportedly eyeing Game 3 return for LA Lakers
The LA Lakers have a positive update before the series against the Denver Nuggets moves to LA. Backup center Christian Wood is reportedly eyeing a return for that contest. It remains to be seen if Wood, who hasn't played since the All-Star break, gets a run in his comeback.
However, if he does and can showcase sustainable rhythm offensively, the Lakers will benefit immensely from his presence. That allows the Lakers to have two bigs on the floor together for significant stretches. Anthony Davis can guard Nikola Jokic, while Wood can sit in the paint and protect the rim.
The Lakers are struggling to find that balance as LeBron James and Rui Hachimura appear too small to guard Jokic on an island and aren't as impactful to protect the rim.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
