The Denver Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak came to an abrupt end after a 123-100 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nikola Jokic (Photo by Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
Before this game, Denver bounced back strongly after a rocky start to the season, which had seen Nikola Jokic visibly frustrated following back-to-back early losses.

The game against the Lakers was the first time in February that Denver faced a team with a record above .500. The result served as a reality check for the former champions. After the game, Jokic reflected on the nine-game run and didn’t shy away from the truth.

“We had the 9-game winning streak against teams that were injured and teams that were not really good or high in the standings. So maybe we tricked ourselves in that we are playing good,” Jokic said.

For the Lakers, this victory was more than just another win. The game marked their first win in Denver since 2022, breaking a drought that had lingered over the team for nearly two years. Despite the tough loss, Jokic still managed to post a triple-double, finishing the night with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Nikola Jokic Sees Aaron Gordon’s Offensive Growth As Crucial For Nuggets

After the game, a reporter also asked Nikola Jokic about the impact of Aaron Gordon’s improved three-point shooting this season and how it has added another weapon to the Nuggets’ offense. Jokic acknowledged Gordon’s growing confidence. He also shared the importance of players maintaining their role as scoring threats, regardless of percentages.

“I mean, definitely, I think just being aggressive and just willing to shoot, even if he doesn’t, even if he’s shooting 35%, 30%, or whatever it is, I think it’s a good thing, you know, just to keep it, keep shooting, and keep being a threat,” Jokic said.

Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets in scoring against the Lakers with 24 points, along with five rebounds and four assists. The Nuggets will now look to bounce back quickly as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday.