Michael Malone didn’t waste time addressing the narrative that the Denver Nuggets intentionally rested Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and other players before playing against the Los Angeles Lakers. He noted that Jokic has played the second-most games in the NBA over the last ten years. So, when he is listed as out injured, it is because he is injured rather than trying to rest before an important game.
“I think that’s just a bunch of bullsh*t. I mean, in the last 10 years, Nikola Jokic has played the second-most games in the NBA. Ten years. And the guys in that top 10, none of them are superstars.”
“So if Nikola is not playing, it’s not because he’s sitting. It’s not because he needs rest. It’s because he’s hurt and he’s trying to play through things that most wouldn’t. We’re at a point right now where we have to do what’s best for not just Nikola, but for all our guys, as we move forward and try to close out this season.”
In recent weeks, there has been much conjecture about the Denver Nuggets, along with many other teams, resting their key players before they play against the Los Angeles Lakers. While that might sound like a piece of fiction from the Lakers fans’ pen, there has been much circumstantial evidence of this happening that they pointed to as proof of some deep conspiracy against them.
Well, that conspiracy theory, at least when it targets the Nuggets, can be put to rest, as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray did not play against the Lakers, missing their second game in a row after suffering small, but significant knocks in recent weeks. As a result, the Nuggets were severely weakened when playing against the Lakers, which played a big part in their 120-108 loss last night.
The Lakers also had some injury absences on the night, as LeBron James and Rui Hachimura also missed last night’s game. Both LeBron and Rui have missed a few games now, but are expected to make their return by the end of this week. Even with two key starters out of the rotation, the Lakers pulled off the important win at home.
Luka Doncic had yet another massive game, putting up 31 points (10-21 FG), eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block. Austin Reaves continued his brilliant run of form with 22 points (8-16 FG), five rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block.
This win allows the Lakers to tie up their season series at 2-2, and leapfrog the Nuggets in the standings to take the third seed. The Lakers now have a 43-25 record, while the Nuggets move to fourth with a 44-26 record. The Lakers have another game to play tonight, as they face the Bucks.
A loss here would have them be tied with the Nuggets in the standings, but they would stay atop as the Lakers are their division leaders, while the Nuggets sit behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Whereas a win for the Lakers puts a one-game difference between the two sides, as they compete to secure the second seed currently held by the Houston Rockets.
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