DENVER — The Lakers won the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.The Lakers also found a way to contend with the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic.Anthony Davis was every bit the beast he was expected to be in this series.What’s done is done., with Coach Darvin Ham on Wednesday stressing the need for greater effort, energy and urgency – his standard message – in Game 2 on Thursday night at Ball Arena. The Lakers had all of it in the second half Tuesday after having none of it in the first.
Anthony Davis’ smile after Jokic’s deep 3-pointer made it 106-92 at the end of the third quarter said all you need to know about the Lakers’ reaction to an overwhelming show of force from the Nuggets. Davis seemed to say, “What can you do?” Besides, it wasn’t as if he didn’t have a hand up in Jokic’s face on the play.
Jokic had 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists for his sixth triple-double of the playoffs and Davis had 40 points, 10 rebounds and three assists as the battle of the centers featured a compelling test of skills and wills. Jokic earned a Round One victory by virtue of the Nuggets’ win. Of equal or great concern for the Lakers is getting the best from D’Angelo Russell, their erstwhile point guard.