NBA

Jokic gets revenge against Gilgeous-Alexander, Lakers stumble without LeBron

The Serbian led the Nuggets in their rematch against the Thunder, while Luka Doncic's triple double was not enough for the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell to third place in the West.

Gilgeous-Alexander drives against JokicAlonzo Adams-Imagn Images/Sipa USA / Cordon Press

Published by

Israel Duro

March 11, 2025

3 minutes read

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In just 24 hours, the battle for the MVP did a 180-degree turn. The Denver Nuggets got revenge on the Oklahoma City Thunder 140-127. Or, in other words, Nikola Jokic beat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the battle between the two MVP favorites. The night also saw the Lakers lose in their first game without LeBron James, who began recovery from injury, despite a triple double by Luka Doncic.

Unlike Sunday's loss, Jokic emerged triumphant by verging on a triple double with 35 points, 18 rebounds and 8 assists to fuel Denver's away win. His rival, Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 25 points and 7 assists for a Thunder team that could not extend its streak of seven straight wins.

Despite the blow, Oklahoma City comfortably leads the NBA's Western Conference, 11 games ahead of the Nuggets, who snatched second place from the Lakers.

On this occasion, Jokic did have the backing of Denver's second-leading scorer, point guard Jamal Murray, who finished with 34 points. The rest of the starters were also in double digits in scoring and put up the most points this season against the Thunder.

"We came out ready to play," remarked Murray, speaking to AFP, "It's always tough to play here, they have a great crowd and a great team, but I have the best player in the world in mine," added the Canadian in reference to Jokic. Another Canadian, shooting guard Luguentz Dort, was Oklahoma City's top scorer with 26 points.

Doncic not enough to cover LeBron's absence

The Los Angeles Lakers began life without LeBron James with a loss to the Brooklyn Nets by 111-108 that cost them second place in the West. The Los Angeles team will be at least a week without its leader, who suffered a groin strain last Saturday.

The Lakers' other star, Luka Doncic, recorded a triple double of 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists but was inaccurate from the field, shooting just 8-26. Under his command, the visitors had a 15-point lead in the second quarter, but the Nets were able to exploit defensive weaknesses despite being without their leading scorer, shooting guard Cam Thomas.

With 19 points, Noah Clowney led the offense of the team coached by Spaniard Jordi Fernández, while guard Gabe Vincent contributed another 24 with 6 3-pointers for the Lakers.

Celtics and Bulls win

The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, beat the Utah Jazz 114-108 on a night when they were allowed to rest their star, Jayson Tatum. Shooting guard Sam Hauser took over with 33 points and 9 3-pointers.

And in Chicago, Australian point guard Josh Giddey and shooting guard Coby White scored 29 points each in the Bulls' 121-103 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Butler's first triple double with the Golden State Warriors

In the day's closer, the Golden State Warriors beat the Portland Trail Blazers 130-120 with Jimmy Butler's first triple double since his arrival in February to San Francisco. He had15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Stephen Curry added 24 points of his own.