5 Takeaways From Historic Game 3 Win

Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon Step Up in Denver's Come-from-Behind Victory

April 21, 2024

The Denver Nuggets opened their season with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but the Nuggets ultimately prevailed 115-107 behind big performances from Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.

Jokic, the reigning MVP, finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was a force on both ends of the floor, making big shots when the Nuggets needed them and playing tough defense against LeBron James. Gordon, meanwhile, had a playoff career night with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He was particularly effective in the second half, helping the Nuggets to take control of the game.

Here are five takeaways from the Nuggets' Game 3 victory:

1. Jokic is still the MVP. Despite all the talk about James and Anthony Davis, Jokic is still the best player on the floor when he steps onto the court. He is a complete player who can impact the game in a variety of ways.
2. Gordon is a rising star. Gordon has taken a big step forward this season, and he is now one of the best young players in the NBA. He is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend.
3. The Nuggets' defense is finally coming together. The Nuggets have struggled defensively at times this season, but they have played much better in the playoffs. They have been holding teams to under 100 points per game in their last three outings.
4. The Lakers are in trouble. The Lakers have now lost three straight games in the playoffs, and they are facing elimination. They need to find a way to get James going, and they need Davis to be more consistent.
5. The Nuggets are in a good position to win the championship. The Nuggets have home-court advantage for the rest of the series, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. They have a good mix of experience and youth, and they are led by one of the best players in the league. If they can continue to play at this level, they will be tough to beat.