Overview
- Denver led wire to wire to snap the Lakers' three-game win streak and preserve its edge for the No. 5 seed.
- Nikola Jokić logged 28 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, with late buckets after Jamal Murray’s 28-point start drove the early lead.
- LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leader in made field goals and briefly exited with a left elbow scare before returning to finish.
- Lakers center Deandre Ayton left in the first quarter with left knee soreness and did not return, prompting extended minutes for Jaxson Hayes, who had a season-high 19 points.
- A 31–15 free-throw attempt gap favored Denver as Los Angeles won several other categories but was outrebounded and missed two late threes to tie.