Denver Nuggets vs. Lakers: Player of the game

The Denver Nuggets got a big win against the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night, with the final score being 117-85.

The Lakers and Denver Nuggets fan bases do not like each other. It really doesn’t take much research to figure that out, but because of this, each game has a great atmosphere around it. This one was no different, televised on NBATV as the Nuggets brought out their revitalized rainbow jerseys in front of a sold-out crowd in Denver.

The Nuggets didn’t disappoint, and frankly, I could have picked several players to be the player of the game. Nikola Jokic was impressive per usual, dropping 14, seven and seven, Malik Beasley dropped 20 points off of the bench, and Mason Plumlee had a strong double-double in the second unit. However, my decision came down to two main players.

Jamal Murray, who lives rent-free in the heads of some other fan bases, adding yet another troll moment to his collection tonight?

Or Paul Millsap, who has been rocking an awesome headband and gave reliable post-play to the Nuggets all night long?

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Listen, we all love what Jamal Murray is doing. The young buck ended with 20 points, four assists and three rebounds, and had a nice fake on the fast break that send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope flying into the stands. (See above GIF) He’s an emotional leader, who even though is a troll sometimes, is a guy you want in your corner, and he truly showed that off in this game.

With that being said, I have to give the nod to the veteran power forward, P4UL Millsap. (Yes, that was on purpose.)

Millsap ended with 20 points as well, along with 11 rebounds, a steal and two blocks. He was the anchor of the defensive unit that held the Lakers to 85 points, and he was also very efficient shooting the rock as well. Millsap went 9-14 from the field, including knocking down the only two free-throws he attempted in the entire game.

I know, Jamal Murray and the others are a lot more flashy and fun to watch, but the impact of Paul Millsap is something that just can’t be ignored. He’s been getting better as the season goes on, and it’s apparent to see what the Nuggets missed while he was injured for a majority of last season. He plays a methodical, slow-paced game that is rarely seen as much these days, and sometimes, like in this game, it still reigns supreme.

Is it in the headband? That’s a question that remains unanswered, but one thing is for sure, Paul Millsap is on a roll right now.

ALL STATS WERE COLLECTED FROM ESPN.