Luka Doncic scores 31 after an enormous 1st quarter, and the Lakers rout the depleted Nuggets 120-108

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 31 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in simply three quarters of labor, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 120-108 on Wednesday evening in a matchup of injury-depleted Western Convention contenders.

Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) missed their second straight video games for Denver, whereas LeBron James (hamstring) and Rui Hachimura (knee) continued their longer-term absences for Los Angeles.

Austin Reaves had 22 factors and eight assists for the Lakers, who’ve gained 9 consecutive house video games and three straight since ending their 0-4 highway journey final Friday with a loss at Denver.

Aaron Gordon scored 26 factors for the Nuggets.

The Lakers scored a season-high 46 factors within the first quarter led by Doncic, who scorched Denver for 21 factors in his highest-scoring quarter of the season. He missed the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to Denver final Friday, when the Lakers almost gained with out him and James.

Los Angeles led by 28 after three quarters, permitting Doncic to get additional relaxation amid 5 house video games in seven days.

Bronny James performed the ultimate 3:58.

Takeaways

Nuggets: Even with out Jokic and Murray, offense wasn’t the issue. Los Angeles made 60% of its photographs within the first three quarters.

Lakers: Doncic dominated early, however they’re thriving with steadiness. Six Lakers scored in double figures, and large males Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko performed stable protection.

Key second

Doncic was afire from the opening tip, scoring 9 factors in lower than three minutes and 20 factors in about eight minutes. He led an 18-2 run halfway by means of the primary quarter with three 3-pointers and three assists earlier than cooling off.

Key stat

Doncic scored 30 factors for the 2 hundredth time in his NBA profession. He is carried out it eight occasions in 16 video games with LA.

Up subsequent

The Nuggets go to the Path Blazers on Friday. The Lakers host the Bucks on Thursday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA