Nikola Jokic is dominating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, outrebounding the entire Lakers squad by 12 to 3 in the first quarter.
Fans were stunned to see Jokic take control of the game right off the bat and put the Lakers in a hole they may not recover from.
Jokic's 1Q rebounds: 12
Lakers' 1Q total rebounds: 3
WILD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Is4zPiU9ev
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 17, 2023
This performance just reminded fans of how Jokic was robbed of becoming a three-time MVP due to media narratives that were untrue about Jokic being a playoff dropper.
https://twitter.com/theprism89/status/1658640048974098434
The real playoff dropper, Joel Embiid, was mocked by fans that said he’s taking notes from home.
https://twitter.com/DarthFader41/status/1658640190523707392
Fans looked back at the MVP race with a lot of animosity, even apologizing to Jokic for hurting his chances.
This man not winning MVP is criminal. I’m so sorry Joker.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) May 17, 2023
Jokic’s first quarter captured the imagination of fans, with some even saying it was the best first-quarter performance they have ever seen.
https://twitter.com/Weirdberto/status/1658640239215230976
Fans mocked the Lakers’ unsuccessful attempts at trying to box Jokic out and ensuring he can’t grab these rebounds.
Lakers trying to box out Jokic. pic.twitter.com/7iF68Uxhg6
— Tay (@NoWeyJose420) May 17, 2023
The Nuggets outscored the Lakers by 12 points in the first quarter in a dominant fashion, as the Lakers looked lethargic to start the game out. Midway through the second quarter, Jokic has 15 points and 16 rebounds while Anthony Davis is trying to match him with 14 points but just one rebound. LeBron James has 11 points and 8 rebounds so far.
Are The Nuggets Too Good For The Lakers?
It looks like the Lakers’ underdog run through the Western Conference ends at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, as the team looks far too complete for the Lakers to match up with them. Not only can Jokic dominate Anthony Davis in a way he couldn’t in 2020, but the entire Denver roster also matches up with the Lakers really well.
Unless Davis can find his defensive spark and limit Jokic from destroying the Lakers, this series cannot be won. LeBron might need to tap into his 2018 self for a game or two if he wants the Lakers to be competitive, as this Game 1 is looking like an ugly loss for them as we approach halftime.
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