Sun Feb 23 22:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers End Nuggets’ Winning Streak in Dominant Victory
**DENVER, CO** – Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a resounding 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, snapping the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak. Doncic, in his best performance yet as a Laker, poured in 32 points. The win marks the Lakers’ first victory in Denver since April 10, 2022, breaking a 13-14 losing streak against the Nuggets.
Strong contributions from LeBron James (25 points), Austin Reaves (23 points), and Rui Hachimura (21 points before an injury) propelled the Lakers to victory. Even after Hachimura’s departure, Los Angeles extended their lead with a decisive 12-2 run.
Despite a triple-double from Nikola Jokic (his 26th of the season), the Nuggets struggled offensively, with Jokic himself shooting just 2-of-7 from the field and committing six turnovers. Aaron Gordon (24 points) and Jamal Murray (19 points) led the scoring effort for Denver.
The Lakers never trailed in the game, overcoming an early 8-0 run by the Nuggets. A key 10-0 run in the third quarter, ignited by a LeBron James dunk and capped by a Doncic three-pointer, effectively sealed the win. Both teams struggled from three-point range, each making only 16 of 41 attempts.
The victory halts Denver’s impressive run, which notably didn’t include any wins against top-six conference teams. The Nuggets’ coach, Michael Malone, has never led the team to a ten-game winning streak in his decade with the franchise.
The Lakers now return home for a six-game homestand, beginning Tuesday against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets will travel to Indiana on Monday night.
First Piper 