Luka Dončić went right at a three-time MVP on Friday night, driving into Nikola Jokić’s chest, staying on balance and flipping in a tough shot off the glass for an and-1 in the second quarter of the Lakers’ preseason finale, as first reported by ClutchPoints.
https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/2111303065072812076
The play was the highlight of a loss. Denver won 121-106 at Crypto.com Arena. Luka finished with 15 points, four rebounds and three 3-pointers in 19 minutes on 4-of-8 shooting. Jokić was close to perfect, with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists on 7-of-8 shooting. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 21, and Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 19.
The IAHHM Take
Nobody is reading much into a preseason final score. What matters is that Luka looks ready. He scored 21 and then 23 in his two preseason games against Sacramento, and the Lakers kept his minutes on a short leash all month. JJ Redick is building this offense around him, and plays like this one show why: Luka doesn’t need speed to get to his spots. He uses his body, his footwork and his timing, and he will do it against the biggest guy on the floor.
The rest of the roster still has questions. Reaves gives L.A. a real second scoring option, and Walker Kessler adds size in the paint, but Denver’s starters controlled this one. That’s a measuring stick for a team with title expectations.
The real stuff starts Wednesday when the Lakers open the regular season against the Golden State Warriors. If you’re planning on catching Steph in that one, Steve Kerr already has a warning for Warriors fans about checking the schedule.
So be honest: are the Lakers a real threat to the Nuggets in the West this year, or is this still Denver’s conference until somebody takes it?
Source: ClutchPoints
