Sat Mar 15 03:50:00 UTC 2025: **Nuggets Edge Out Injury-Ridden Lakers in Close Contest**
DENVER, CO – Jamal Murray’s late three-pointer secured a 131-126 victory for the Denver Nuggets over the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. While the Nuggets emerged victorious, coach Michael Malone expressed concerns about their performance against a significantly undermanned opponent.
Murray led the Nuggets with 26 points, while Nikola Jokic contributed 28. However, the Lakers, missing key players including LeBron James (groin strain), and Luka Dončić (calf and ankle injuries), put up a strong fight. Austin Reaves (37 points) and Dalton Knecht (32 points) spearheaded a furious second-half comeback that saw the Lakers take a 126-121 lead with 52 seconds left. The Nuggets, however, rallied, with Jokic tying the game before Murray’s game-winning shot. Russell Westbrook then sealed the win with a dunk after stealing the inbounds pass.
Despite the victory, the Nuggets’ inability to pull away from a team missing several starters raised concerns for Malone, particularly given their playoff push. The Lakers’ impressive performance, fueled by a 19-9 run to close the third quarter, highlighted the Nuggets’ struggles to maintain a consistent lead.
Adding to the intrigue, Bronny James, recently recalled from the G League, played 16 minutes for the Lakers, scoring five points. The Lakers face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, while the Nuggets host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, their fifth game in seven days. The disparity in free throw attempts (Nuggets 21-25 in the first half versus Lakers 6-7) further underscored the uneven nature of the contest.
First Piper 