Denver Nuggets at L.A. Lakers: Half time report
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets trail the Los Angeles Lakers by one point at the half.
The Denver Nuggets came in and had another sluggish first quarter. Despite Nikola Jokic getting into early foul trouble and Will Barton and Gary Harris only shooting a combined three for 15, Denver finds themselves down only by a final score of 49-48 at the half.
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The two bright spots for the Nuggets so far have been Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap. Millsap is doing well on the defensive end of the floor and Murray is getting better and better the more the Staples Center boos and boos the young point guard. Wilson Chandler did start to pick up some of the slack in the second quarter.
However, other players have to pick it up in the second half. The second unit of the Nuggets gave up a costly run in the first quarter, but thankfully, the starters were able to come in and help stop the bleeding a bit before it got too out of hand. If Jokic can keep his composure in the second half and stay on the ground, then the Nuggets will be in good shape. Before picking up a couple of crucial fouls, Jokic was crashing the glass effectively.
Do not be surprised if Denver goes on a run in the second half sparked by the play making ability of the Joker. Gary Harris also has to be more aggressive in looking for his shot in order for the team to blow this game wide open. We all know he has the ability, he just needs to gain the confidence in this particular match up at the Staples Center.
The Nuggets are in a tight game as of right now, but it is far from over for Denver who is hunting for a playoff spot.