Tue Nov 26 04:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Nuggets Dominate Lakers in Second Half, Secure 127-102 Victory
**LOS ANGELES** – The Denver Nuggets overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 127-102 Saturday night, handing the home team their second consecutive loss. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 34 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 24. Former Laker Russell Westbrook added 14 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds in a strong performance against his old team.
The Lakers, who boasted a 7-0 home record to start the season, were led by Austin Reaves’ 19 points and LeBron James’ 18. Rui Hachimura, returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle sprain, scored 10 points.
The Nuggets trailed by six at halftime but completely controlled the second half, outscoring the Lakers 70-39. A dominant third quarter, which saw Denver outscore Los Angeles 37-15, proved to be the turning point. The Nuggets’ superior performance extended to both inside and outside shooting, with the team hitting 16 of 32 three-point attempts. Westbrook’s emphatic putback dunk late in the third quarter underscored Denver’s control.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged his team’s struggles, particularly in the third quarter, highlighting the need for significant improvement to compete with the Nuggets.
The Nuggets, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, showed no signs of fatigue. They now host the New York Knicks on Monday, while the Lakers travel to Phoenix to begin a road back-to-back. This victory marks another decisive win for Denver over the Lakers, following their playoff series triumph earlier this year.
First Piper 