Three keys for the Denver Nuggets to beat the Lakers

Nikola Jokic seeks vengeance

Ever since the disappointing Dec. 3 performance from Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center found himself on an efficient run. In the past nine games, Jokic averaged 20.9 points while maintaining a 62.2 true shooting percentage. MVP Jokic is starting to poke his head from the abyss.

Anthony Davis is an undeniable force; this claim is no secret. However, Nikola Jokic demands respect from his positional counterpart. Although not the same explosive scoring-machine as Davis, Jokic influences the game at a higher level in another manner.

Out of the numerous promising stats stemming from the nine-game stretch, the assist category tells more of the story. While the Denver Nuggets enjoyed success during its past nine games, Jokic shared the ball at a career-high rate with a remarkable 42.3 assist percentage.

Jokic is at his most dangerous when creating for others. Davis has two options to make: either fallback to force Jokic to shoot -although Jokic is back to a respectable 37 percent on threes in the aforementioned stretch- or press on the unselfish big which opens up Denver’s offense.

Another weapon of Jokic comes in the form of a point guard. Jamal Murray allows Jokic to mess with opponents by putting them in cycles while utilizing high screen and rolls mixing with Murray cuts and fades. However, to Los Angeles’ credit, Davis is a defensive stud and won’t falter easily.

Regardless of the top-tier defense from Davis, the multi-dimensional arsenal of Jokic equips Denver with tools to avenge its Dec. 3 loss.