Nuggets' Nikola Jokic dominates Lakers in historic first half in Game 1 win
The Los Angeles Lakers had 13 rebounds in the first half. Nikola Jokic had 16 by himself.
After enduring a season of criticism and debate about his MVP credentials and playoff success, Jokic came out extremely strong in the first game of the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers.
He had double-digit rebounds in the first quarter, and hadd with a mind-boggling 19 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists before halftime.
Denver took an 18-point lead after two quarters thanks to the Joker's efforts. He also got to a triple-double before halfway through the third quarter.
The only way the Lakers could slow down Jokic? Drawing fouls. The game slowed down late as the Lakers defense tightened up, Nuggets fouls started piling up and Los Angeles came back from Denver's huge lead. Meanwhile, Jokic grabbed only five boards after halftime.
Jokic still finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists. Not surprisingly, that's the first 34/21/14 line in a playoff game since 1965, if not all-time.
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