Below is a running diary of the Lakers’ matchup against the Denver Nuggets, with comments drawn from Mike Trudell’s @LakersReporter Twitter account, to ensure you’re covered from start to finish.
First Quarter
Nuggets lottery pick Emmanuel Mudiay is last in the NBA in FG% at 33.6% (27% 3’s), but he hit 2 early 3’s as Denver holds a 13-7 edge.
LAL are on a 19-4 run here to claim a 27-23 lead after trailing by 11 early in the 1st. Clarkson capped the run w/a 3 and a layup.
Despite trailing by 11 early in the 1st, LAL take a 29-27 lead into the 2nd thanks to a late rally. Clarkson had 11, Kobe/Russell 5 each.
Second Quarter
Sudden offensive force Marcelo Huertas is 3 for 3 w/a 3 and 2 FT’s for 9 points, doing his best Lou Williams (hamstring) impersonation.
After hitting 8 triples last night, @Dloading gets his first tonight to put LAL up 45-43. He has 10 points and 2 assists thus far.
Russell put LAL up 60-57 at the half w/a leaner in the paint off the dribble. His 17 points led all scorers. Also w/3 asts, 1 stl, 1 blk.
Third Quarter
Kobe Bryant (sore right shoulder) is done for the night after 11 first half minutes.
D’Angelo Russell’s 3rd triple tonight gets him to 20 points for the 4th straight game. Also has 4 assists, but DEN’s on a run, up 83-75.
Jordan Clarkson strained the Patellar tendon in his left knee. He won’t return tonight.
Forced to go deep into the bench w/Kobe, Clarkson, Williams + Nance, Jr. out, LAL still managed a 7-0 late 3rd Q run to cut the lead to 1.
D…Loading… #GoLakers Halftime now @TWCSportsNet | @TWCDeporteshttps://t.co/uVOUwvOlB0
Fourth Quarter
Denver has only 2 points in their last 7 minutes, the Nuggets offense going away. LAL lead 88-85.
D.J. Augustin’s been the difference for Denver in this 4th Q, scoring 13 of his 17 points. Denver up 98-94 w/5:23 left.
Augustin’s big 4th Q continues, his and-1 falling out of bounds making it 111-101. He has 16 points in the 4th Q.
Final: Nuggets 117, Lakers 107. D’Angelo Russell had 24 points and 6 assists, Julius Randle 17 points and 7 boards in the loss.
