Nikola Jokic notches triple-double as Nuggets top Warriors
Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists playing with a sore right wrist he had taped, and the Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 128-123 in a rematch of the teams’ first-round playoff series won by the Warriors in five games on their way to the title.
Denver Nuggets must make do without Jamal Murray again
Even on a roster featuring reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, guard Will Barton said the Denver Nuggets' guiding philosophy in 2021-22 will be to “win by committee.” “Yeah, I think that’s on point,” coach Michael Malone said. “I think Will's mindset is where it needs to be regarding going into the season without Jamal Murray.”
news.yahoo.comMurray scores historic 50 as Nuggets down crumbling Cavs
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers' Cedi Osman (16) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND – Not himself of late, Jamal Murray got a lecture from Nuggets coach Michael Malone about being more aggressive and not passing up open shots. Following the game, Murray was unaware that he had done something unique. “With the exception of Murray, we took some steps in the right direction,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. They made their first 12 shots, opened a 22-point lead in the second half and then let Murray close out the Cavs.
Lakers' Anthony Davis to rest injured Achilles; no rupture
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guards Jamal Murray, center, and Monte Morris defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)LOS ANGELES – Forward Anthony Davis' injured Achilles tendon is not ruptured, and he will be reevaluated when the Los Angeles Lakers return from their road trip. The Lakers (21-7) have nine games left before the All-Star break, starting Tuesday at Minnesota. AdThe nine-year veteran is averaging 22.5 points — his lowest scoring average since his second NBA season — along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Davis sat out two games last week to rest his Achilles tendon, but returned with a 35-point game against Memphis last Friday.
Jokic powers Nuggets by Lakers, Davis re-aggravates Achilles
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – The sight of Anthony Davis limping off the court was hard for the Los Angeles Lakers to shake. Nikola Jokic recorded his sixth triple-double of the season and the Denver Nuggets beat the Lakers 122-105 on Sunday night in a game in which Davis re-aggravated his sore right Achilles. Now, the only thought for the Lakers is the result of Davis' MRI on Monday for what the team called a strain. For his big game, Jokic credited a new mindset. Entering the game, Davis was questionable with what was described as right Achilles tendinosis.
Lakers F Anthony Davis set for MRI on strained Achilles
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guards Jamal Murray, center, and Monte Morris defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis will undergo an MRI on Monday after re-aggravating a sore right Achilles late in the first half of a 122-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Davis hobbled to the free-throw line, made both shots and then was subbed out with 2:39 remaining. AdEntering Sunday's game, Davis was questionable with what was described as right Achilles tendinosis. Everyone, individually, has to pick up their play for the collective of the team in A.D.’s absence.”AdThe Lakers play in Minnesota on Tuesday.
Middleton, Antetokounmpo lead Bucks past Nuggets 125-112
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, moves to the rim as Denver Nuggets forward JaMychal Green defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Denver. Middleton had 29 points and a career-high 12 assists, Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and the Milwaukee Bucks won their fifth straight game by beating the Denver Nuggets 125-112 on Monday night. “We still find ourselves trying to figure out how to be a team that plays a lot better in the second half,” Malone said. “We’ve lost three in a row because we haven’t defended anybody.”TIP-INSBucks: The Bucks outrebounded the Nuggets 50-38. “Hope that he's going to be well.”MAIN ATTRACTIONAsked about the marquee matchup between Jokic and Antetokounmpo, Malone feigned hurt feelings.
LeBron's triple-double powers Lakers past Nuggets, 114-93
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, is defended by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar also knows there's no chance his presence won't be required in Atlanta next month — particularly not after his latest spectacular performance in a career that just keeps hitting new heights. Los Angeles finished on a 46-18 run, thoroughly clamping down on defense and cranking up its transition offense to win this rematch of the Western Conference finals in the bubble. Several Lakers said their superb second half was inspired by an aggressive halftime talking-to from coach Frank Vogel. “We were able to basically double their scoring in the second half, 68-35.
Los Angeles Lakers, Delta extend partnership; now offering ticket exchange service
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half at Staples Center, March 6, 2019. The Los Angeles Lakers and Delta Air Lines extended their partnership on Wednesday, allowing Atlanta based company to remain the "exclusive airline partner" of the team. To celebrate the deal, Delta and the Lakers agreed to launch "Showtime Seat Exchange," a charitable trading service which will allow season ticket holders to receive an airline ticket in exchange for tickets to one of the four available Lakers home game. "We are incredibly proud to partner with Delta on the launch of 'Showtime Seat Exchange'," Tim Harris, the Lakers President of Business Operations, said in a statement. The exchange service for the Nov. 15 game is now open at Lakers.com/showtimeseatexchange.
cnbc.com