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5 Takeaways from Denver's Dominant Game 1 Comeback

A Back-and-Forth Battle

An electrifying Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers took place at Ball Arena on Tuesday, with the Nuggets emerging victorious in a thrilling 132-126 comeback. The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with the Lakers taking an early lead before the Nuggets rallied in the third quarter. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 37 points and 18 rebounds, while Anthony Davis had 33 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers.

Nuggets' Resilience

Amid multiple 10-point deficits, the Nuggets showed a remarkable resilience in battling back to tie the game in the third quarter and ultimately secure the win. Despite being down 60-50 at halftime, they outscored the Lakers 35-18 in the third quarter, with Jamal Murray scoring 13 points during that pivotal period.

Jokic's Dominance

Nikola Jokic continued his impressive postseason performance, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the paint. He was efficient from the field, shooting 13-of-20, and also contributed 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. His all-around performance was crucial in the Nuggets' victory.

Lakers' Struggles

The Lakers struggled to maintain their early momentum and fell apart in the third quarter. Their defense struggled to contain Jokic, who was able to create scoring opportunities at will. The Lakers also committed 22 turnovers, which proved costly in the end.

Momentum Shift

The Nuggets' win marks a significant momentum shift in the series. After losing Game 1 in each of their previous two series, the Lakers were looking to establish early control. However, the Nuggets' victory at home will provide them with a psychological edge heading into Game 2.

Upcoming Games

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals will take place in Denver on Thursday, May 18th. The series will then move to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday, May 20th, and Monday, May 22nd.

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