Due to persistent injuries, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray miss the Nuggets’ loss to the Lakers.
The Denver Nuggets’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 19, 2025, served as a reminder of the impact injuries can have on a team, even one as well-constructed as the Nuggets. Without the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who were both sidelined due to persistent injuries, the Nuggets found themselves struggling against a Lakers team that capitalized on the absence of two of Denver’s most influential players.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will dive deep into the details of the game, examining how the absence of Jokić and Murray affected the Nuggets, how the Lakers took advantage of this opportunity, and what this loss means for the future of both teams.
1. The Importance of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray to the Denver Nuggets
To understand the gravity of the Nuggets’ loss, it is essential to first appreciate just how integral Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are to the team. Over the past several seasons, these two players have been the cornerstone of Denver’s success. The Nuggets have thrived largely due to the exceptional play of their Serbian center, Jokić, and the Canadian point guard, Murray.
Nikola Jokić: The Heartbeat of the Nuggets Offense
Nikola Jokić is, without a doubt, one of the most unique and talented players in NBA history. His blend of size, vision, and basketball IQ makes him a match-up nightmare for any team. As the reigning two-time NBA MVP, Jokić has transformed the center position, moving beyond traditional post play to become the focal point of Denver’s offense. His ability to facilitate plays, pass with precision, and score in a variety of ways has made him the primary playmaker for the Nuggets.
Jokić’s absence significantly impacted the Nuggets’ offensive flow. The team relies heavily on his vision to generate offense, with many of their plays revolving around his ability to initiate pick-and-rolls, find open teammates, or create his own shot. Without him, Denver’s offense was left without its central orchestrator. The ball movement was less fluid, and the team struggled to execute in the half-court.
Jamal Murray: The Explosive Scorer and Playmaker
Jamal Murray’s importance to the Nuggets cannot be overstated. While Jokić is the heart of their offense, Murray is the pulse that keeps it running. Murray’s ability to score efficiently from all areas of the floor, combined with his knack for hitting big shots in clutch moments, has made him a key figure in the Nuggets’ playoff runs in recent years. His partnership with Jokić, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, has been a defining feature of the Nuggets’ offense.
Beyond scoring, Murray also serves as a secondary playmaker, often taking on the role of ball handler when Jokić is off the floor. His leadership in the backcourt is invaluable, and his chemistry with Jokić has been the backbone of the Nuggets’ success in recent seasons.
The Impact of Their Absences
With both Jokić and Murray unavailable due to injury, the Nuggets were forced to adjust. The team’s offense, which is typically predicated on high-level passing, court vision, and fast decision-making, lacked the cohesion it usually enjoys when the two stars are healthy. Players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Bones Hyland had to step up and assume larger roles, but none of them could fill the enormous void left by Jokić and Murray.
Denver’s offensive sets appeared disjointed, and the team struggled to create good shot opportunities. Defensively, the Nuggets also missed Jokić’s ability to guard multiple positions and his presence as a rebounder. The Lakers, well-coached and well-prepared for this opportunity, took full advantage.
2. The Lakers’ Performance and Strategy
The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off a strong stretch of play, entered the game against the Nuggets with confidence. While the Lakers have been an up-and-down team throughout the season, their roster is built for flexibility and adaptability. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other key role players such as D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have kept the Lakers competitive despite occasional struggles.
LeBron James: The Veteran Leader
LeBron James continues to play at a high level, even at the age of 40. Against the Nuggets, he displayed why he remains one of the greatest players in the NBA. His leadership, court awareness, and ability to score efficiently allowed the Lakers to take control of the game early. LeBron’s ability to drive to the basket, create for others, and stretch the defense kept Denver’s defenders on their toes. With Jokić and Murray out, the Nuggets had no answer for LeBron’s multifaceted game.
James scored efficiently, making 10 of 16 field goals, and his passing was a key component of the Lakers’ offensive execution. His ability to draw defenders and find open shooters helped the Lakers maintain a high level of offensive efficiency, even when the Nuggets’ defense was solid.
Anthony Davis: Dominance in the Paint
In addition to LeBron, Anthony Davis was also a major factor in the Lakers’ victory. Davis has been a dominant force this season, especially on the defensive end, and his presence in the paint gave Denver’s interior defense significant problems. With Jokić out, the Nuggets struggled to defend the rim, and Davis took full advantage.
Davis finished the game with a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He was active both offensively and defensively, protecting the rim and scoring efficiently in the post. His ability to dominate the boards was especially critical, as the Nuggets were unable to generate second-chance opportunities due to their lack of size and rebounding prowess without Jokić.
Role Players Step Up
The Lakers also benefited from strong performances from their role players. D’Angelo Russell, who has been playing well in recent weeks, provided scoring and playmaking, contributing 17 points and 8 assists. Austin Reaves continued to show his growth, scoring 19 points and hitting timely shots when the Nuggets began to mount small runs. The Lakers’ depth was on full display as they had contributions from several players, allowing them to wear down a shorthanded Nuggets squad.
The Lakers’ defense, which has been a hallmark of their success, also played a major role in the game. The absence of Jokić and Murray meant that the Nuggets lacked a reliable offensive creator. The Lakers’ defense focused on limiting Denver’s perimeter shooting and forced players like Porter Jr. and Gordon to take on more responsibility offensively. While these players have shown flashes of brilliance, they could not carry the load against a team as defensively disciplined as the Lakers.
3. The Game Breakdown: Key Moments and Turning Points
The game started with both teams trading baskets early on. However, it quickly became clear that Denver’s offense was lacking the creativity and fluidity that comes with having Jokić and Murray on the floor. The Nuggets found themselves in a difficult position as they fell behind in the first quarter, with the Lakers capitalizing on easy transition buckets and exploiting Denver’s slow rotations on defense.
One of the key turning points in the game came in the second quarter when the Lakers went on a 12-0 run, stretching their lead to double digits. LeBron James was instrumental during this stretch, hitting a couple of deep three-pointers and finding Davis in the post. The Nuggets’ offense could not respond, as their possessions became more and more stagnant without their primary playmakers.
In the second half, the Nuggets attempted to make a run. Porter Jr. hit a couple of key three-pointers, and Gordon was aggressive in attacking the basket. However, the Lakers’ defense tightened up, and Denver’s lack of cohesion on offense prevented them from closing the gap. The Nuggets missed several open shots, and their turnovers allowed the Lakers to push the lead back up.
By the fourth quarter, the Lakers had a comfortable lead, and the game had essentially been decided. Denver’s frustrations mounted, and while they continued to fight, it was clear that without Jokić and Murray, they were a different team.
4. What Does This Loss Mean for the Nuggets?
The loss to the Lakers is a reminder of how crucial Jokić and Murray are to the Nuggets’ success. While the team has a strong supporting cast, it is clear that the absence of their two stars significantly weakens their ability to compete at the highest level.
For Denver, the key question moving forward is the health of Jokić and Murray. The Nuggets are still in a strong position in the standings, but their playoff aspirations could be in jeopardy if these injuries persist. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, Denver will need both Jokić and Murray healthy to contend for a championship.
The Nuggets’ depth and versatility will continue to serve them well, but it is clear that they will not be able to go very far without their star duo. The team’s front office will likely continue to monitor the situation closely and may look to add depth in the form of role players or another offensive creator to provide support if necessary.
5. The Lakers’ Playoff Push
On the other hand, the Lakers’ victory is a significant boost as they continue their push for the playoffs. The team’s ability to win without relying too heavily on one player shows their growth and versatility. LeBron James, despite his age, continues to play at a high level, and Anthony Davis remains a dominant force on both ends of the floor. The Lakers’ supporting cast has been stepping up as well, and if they continue to get contributions from role players like Russell and Reaves, they could be a dangerous team in the postseason.
As of now, the Lakers are fighting for playoff positioning, and every win counts. Their performance against the Nuggets shows that they are capable of capitalizing on opportunities, especially when facing teams that are missing key players.
A Defining Game for Both Teams
The loss to the Lakers without Jokić and Murray highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain with their star players. While the Nuggets have shown they can be successful with a strong supporting cast, their ceiling is undeniably higher with their two superstars. For the Lakers, the victory is a confidence booster, signaling that they are capable of contending in the West if their stars and role players continue to gel.
As both teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the outcome of this game serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA, and how crucial health will be in determining who will emerge as a contender come playoff time. For the Nuggets, the key moving forward will be ensuring that Jokić and Murray recover and return to form, while for the Lakers, they must continue to build on this victory and solidify their place in the postseason race.