Denver nuggets vs Lakers match player stats
The denver nuggets vs lakers match player stats from the March 2026 meeting provide a detailed look at how Denver controlled the game despite a strong late push from Los Angeles. The Nuggets won 120-113 at Ball Arena, using efficient shooting, superior rebounding, and outstanding free throw accuracy to protect an early lead. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each scored 28 points, while Jokic added 12 rebounds and 13 assists for another triple-double. For Los Angeles, Luka Doncic led all Lakers scorers with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 16 points and 8 assists.
The final score tells only part of the story. Los Angeles shot 52% from the field and 42% from three-point range, numbers that would normally give a team a strong chance to win. Denver matched the Lakers’ 52% field goal percentage, shot 45% from three, and made 28 of 31 free throws. That combination gave the Nuggets enough offensive efficiency to withstand a fourth-quarter comeback.
denver nuggets vs lakers match player stats
This matchup was played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with an announced attendance of 19,947. The Nuggets entered the game with a 39-24 record and a 17-12 home record, while the Lakers were 37-25 overall and 19-13 on the road.
Denver won every quarter except the fourth. The Nuggets opened with a 32-22 advantage, matched Los Angeles 32-32 in the second period, and then added another five points to their lead in the third. Both teams scored 27 points in the fourth quarter.
| Game Detail | Result |
| Matchup | Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Venue | Ball Arena, Denver |
| Attendance | 19,947 |
| Final Score | Nuggets 120, Lakers 113 |
| Denver Record | 39-24 |
| Los Angeles Record | 37-25 |
| Denver Home Record | 17-12 |
| Lakers Away Record | 19-13 |
The official NBA game record lists the contest as March 5, 2026 in Denver, while the Associated Press recap was published on March 6. The user-facing date is therefore commonly shown as March 6 because of the overnight publication timing. The NBA’s official game page records the 120-113 final and the quarter-by-quarter scoring.
For readers tracking this matchup by date, that distinction matters. The game took place Thursday night in Denver, and coverage continued into March 6.
How Denver won the game
Denver’s victory came from several connected advantages rather than one statistical category.
The first was free throw shooting. The Nuggets went 28-for-31 from the line, converting at a remarkable 90.3%. Los Angeles went 10-for-15, or 66.7%. That created an 18-point difference in made free throws.
The second major factor was rebounding. Denver collected 41 rebounds compared with 32 for Los Angeles. The Nuggets also held a 34-26 advantage in defensive rebounds.
The third factor was three-point efficiency. Denver made 14 of 31 attempts, good for 45.2%. The Lakers made 13 of 31, or 41.9%. The difference was not enormous, but it favored Denver.
The fourth factor was Denver’s ability to create a cushion early. The Nuggets began the game with a 16-3 run and built a lead as large as 15 points. The Lakers repeatedly responded, but Denver remained in front throughout the game.
The fifth factor was the performance of Denver’s two primary offensive engines. Jokic and Murray combined for 56 points, 20 assists, and 16 rebounds.
That production gave Denver enough control to survive Los Angeles’ fourth-quarter pressure.
Denver Nuggets offensive breakdown
Denver finished the night with:
- 39 made field goals on 75 attempts
- 52.0% field goal shooting
- 14 made three-pointers on 31 attempts
- 45.2% three-point shooting
- 28 made free throws on 31 attempts
- 90.3% free throw shooting
- 41 rebounds
- 27 assists
- 18 turnovers
- 3 steals
- 1 block
At first glance, the 18 turnovers look like a weakness. They were significant because Los Angeles finished with only 10 turnovers and recorded 12 steals.
However, Denver offset that problem with shooting efficiency and free throw production. The Nuggets also avoided allowing their turnovers to erase the value of their rebounding advantage and half-court execution.
The official box score confirms that Denver shot 39-for-75 from the field and 14-for-31 from three-point range.
Nikola Jokic controls the game without forcing the offense
Nikola Jokic finished with:
- 28 points
- 10-of-15 field goals
- 0-of-1 from three
- 8-of-8 free throws
- 12 rebounds
- 13 assists
- 9 turnovers
- 1 steal
- 1 block
The most important part of this line is not simply the 28 points.
Jokic generated 13 assists while shooting 66.7% from the field. That combination shows why Denver’s offense remained productive even when Los Angeles committed additional defensive attention to him.
His nine turnovers were unusually high and represented the main negative element of his performance. Yet his overall influence remained substantial because he controlled the glass, created shots for teammates, and converted nearly every high-value opportunity that reached the free throw line.
Jokic also recorded his 23rd triple-double of the season in this game, according to the NBA’s game recap.
His performance illustrates an important point when reading player statistics. A box score should not be reduced to points alone. Jokic’s 13 assists meant that his offensive impact extended far beyond his own shooting attempts.
Jamal Murray supplies the second scoring engine
Jamal Murray matched Jokic with 28 points.
His line included:
- 28 points
- 8-of-17 field goals
- 5-of-9 three-pointers
- 7-of-7 free throws
- 4 rebounds
- 7 assists
- 2 turnovers
Murray was particularly effective from long range. His five three-pointers came on nine attempts, producing a 55.6% three-point rate.
He also did not leave points at the free throw line. Murray made all seven attempts.
The combination of perimeter scoring and playmaking was important because it prevented the Lakers from focusing their entire defensive scheme on Jokic.
Murray’s 7 assists also gave Denver another reliable creator. With Jokic attracting defensive attention around the interior and high-post areas, Murray could attack closeouts, use screens, and create shots for himself or teammates.
Christian Braun provides efficient secondary production
Christian Braun scored 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting.
His complete line included 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 turnover.
Braun did not need a huge scoring night to influence the result. His four assists helped connect Denver’s primary creators with the rest of the lineup.
He also provided useful rebounding from the wing position. Five rebounds may look modest beside Jokic’s 12, but those possessions matter in a game where Denver finished nine rebounds ahead of Los Angeles.
Julian Strawther adds efficient scoring
Julian Strawther produced 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
He also made 2 of 5 three-point attempts and 4 of 5 free throws.
Strawther’s 60% field goal shooting gave Denver another efficient scoring option. His 18 points were especially useful because the Nuggets did not need Jokic and Murray to account for every possession.
When evaluating the supporting cast, efficiency can sometimes be more meaningful than raw scoring volume. Strawther’s 18 points on 10 field goal attempts represented a productive contribution without requiring a high number of possessions.
Tim Hardaway Jr. gives Denver another perimeter threat
Tim Hardaway Jr. finished with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
He also made 2 of 4 three-point attempts and 4 of 5 free throws.
His 57.1% field goal shooting and 50% three-point shooting helped Denver maintain spacing.
That spacing mattered because the Lakers had to respect multiple shooters while also dealing with Jokic’s passing ability.
Bruce Brown added 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 three-pointers, while Zeke Nnaji contributed 5 points and 5 rebounds.
Jonas Valanciunas scored only 4 points, but he was perfect from the free throw line at 4-for-4 and added four rebounds.
Lakers offensive breakdown
Los Angeles finished with:
- 45 made field goals on 87 attempts
- 51.7% field goal shooting
- 13 made three-pointers on 31 attempts
- 41.9% three-point shooting
- 10 made free throws on 15 attempts
- 66.7% free throw shooting
- 32 rebounds
- 30 assists
- 10 turnovers
- 12 steals
- 1 block
The Lakers actually had several impressive offensive numbers.
They shot better than 50% from the field.
They made 13 three-pointers.
They produced 30 assists.
They committed only 10 turnovers.
The problem was that Denver produced even more scoring value from its shooting efficiency, rebounding, and free throws.
Los Angeles also had difficulty turning its fourth-quarter comeback into a lead.
Luka Doncic leads the Lakers
Luka Doncic was the Lakers’ leading scorer with 27 points.
His statistical line was:
- 27 points
- 11-of-24 field goals
- 3-of-10 three-pointers
- 2-of-4 free throws
- 11 rebounds
- 7 assists
- 3 turnovers
- 4 steals
Doncic came close to a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
His 11 rebounds were particularly important for a perimeter player. Los Angeles needed additional rebounding because Denver controlled the overall glass.
Doncic also recorded four steals, giving him a significant defensive contribution.
The weakness in his offensive line was efficiency from three. He made 3 of 10 attempts, or 30%.
That does not make the three-point attempts inherently poor. The Lakers needed perimeter volume against Denver’s defense. But converting a few additional attempts could have changed the margin in a seven-point game.
LeBron James reaches a historic milestone
LeBron James finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
He shot 7-of-11 from the field and 2-of-2 at the free throw line.
The most important historical detail was not reflected directly in his final scoring total.
James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record for career made field goals during the game. The milestone came with his 15,838th career field goal, according to the Associated Press account carried by NBA coverage.
James also made a major playmaking contribution with eight assists and three steals.
His shooting efficiency was excellent at 63.6%, but the Lakers needed more sustained scoring during the first half after falling behind early.
James left the court temporarily after an elbow injury in the fourth quarter before returning late in the game, according to the game report.
Jaxson Hayes provides an important interior spark
Jaxson Hayes scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
He also added 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
His 80% field goal percentage was the best among the Lakers’ major scoring contributors.
Hayes gave Los Angeles efficient interior scoring, especially when Denver’s defense had to stretch toward the perimeter.
His performance also highlights why the Lakers were able to remain competitive despite losing the game. Several role players produced strong shooting nights.
Rui Hachimura punishes open opportunities
Rui Hachimura scored 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
The most striking part of his line was his three-point shooting.
Hachimura made 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc, an outstanding 80% rate.
He also added 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, and 1 steal.
When a player shoots 80% from three on five attempts, the defense has to account for that threat. Hachimura’s shooting helped Los Angeles reach 13 made three-pointers as a team.
Austin Reaves contributes across the box score
Austin Reaves also scored 16 points.
He made 6 of 11 field goal attempts, 1 of 2 three-pointers, and 3 of 4 free throws.
Reaves added 5 rebounds and 7 assists while recording 3 steals.
His seven assists were tied with Doncic and Murray for an important playmaking contribution.
Reaves’ value in this game came from his all-around statistical profile rather than one dominant category. He scored efficiently, created shots, rebounded, and generated defensive plays.
Comparing the leading scorers
The scoring comparison shows how evenly matched the primary players were.
| Player | Points | FG | 3PT | REB | AST | STL |
| Nikola Jokic | 28 | 10-15 | 0-1 | 12 | 13 | 1 |
| Jamal Murray | 28 | 8-17 | 5-9 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Luka Doncic | 27 | 11-24 | 3-10 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| LeBron James | 16 | 7-11 | 0-2 | 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 19 | 8-10 | 0-0 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Rui Hachimura | 16 | 6-9 | 4-5 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
The table shows that Denver’s top two scorers combined for 56 points, while Los Angeles’ top scorer finished one point behind them individually.
More importantly, Jokic’s 13 assists gave Denver an additional layer of offensive creation.
Doncic produced 27 points and 11 rebounds, but the Lakers could not fully match the combined playmaking and scoring of Jokic and Murray.
Team statistics that decided the result
| Category | Lakers | Nuggets |
| Field Goals | 45-87 | 39-75 |
| Field Goal % | 51.7% | 52.0% |
| Three-Pointers | 13-31 | 14-31 |
| Three-Point % | 41.9% | 45.2% |
| Free Throws | 10-15 | 28-31 |
| Free Throw % | 66.7% | 90.3% |
| Rebounds | 32 | 41 |
| Assists | 30 | 27 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 18 |
| Steals | 12 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Fouls | 21 | 16 |
| Points | 113 | 120 |
The most revealing number is the free throw differential.
Denver made 18 more free throws than Los Angeles.
That alone accounts for a huge part of the seven-point final margin.
The Lakers had the advantage in assists, turnovers, and steals, but Denver had the advantage in rebounds, three-point percentage, and free throw percentage.
This is why the final score should not be interpreted as a simple shooting contest.
Both teams shot approximately 52% from the field.
Denver won because the rest of its possession-level advantages were stronger.
The rebounding battle
Denver collected 41 rebounds compared with 32 for Los Angeles.
That nine-rebound advantage is meaningful.
The Nuggets grabbed seven offensive rebounds and 34 defensive rebounds.
The Lakers had six offensive rebounds and 26 defensive rebounds.
Denver’s defensive rebounding limited second opportunities. At the same time, the Nuggets generated seven offensive rebounds that extended possessions.
Jokic’s 12 rebounds were central to this advantage.
His ability to rebound from the center position allows Denver to finish defensive possessions while also giving the team additional opportunities when shots miss at the other end.
The free throw gap
Free throw shooting may have been the clearest statistical separator.
Denver:
28-for-31, 90.3%
Los Angeles:
10-for-15, 66.7%
The Nuggets made 28 free throws.
The Lakers made only 10.
That created an 18-point advantage in made free throws despite the final seven-point margin.
Murray was perfect at 7-for-7.
Jokic was perfect at 8-for-8.
Hardaway Jr. made 4 of 5.
Valanciunas made all four of his attempts.
This level of accuracy meant Denver converted most of its opportunities when the game stopped for fouls.
The three-point battle
The three-point numbers were close in volume.
Both teams attempted 31 threes.
Denver made 14.
Los Angeles made 13.
The difference was accuracy.
Denver shot 45.2%.
Los Angeles shot 41.9%.
Murray was the biggest difference-maker for Denver, hitting 5 of 9.
For Los Angeles, Hachimura was highly efficient at 4-for-5, while Doncic made 3 of 10.
The Lakers’ overall percentage was still strong, but Denver’s combination of volume and accuracy produced a small but useful edge.
Why the fourth quarter did not change the result
The Lakers outplayed Denver during portions of the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets entered the period with a nine-point advantage after leading 93-86 through three quarters.
Both teams scored 27 in the final period.
That means Los Angeles did not actually reduce the entire deficit during the fourth quarter.
The Lakers’ late push made the game competitive, but Denver’s earlier advantage remained intact.
This is one of the most important details in the denver nuggets vs lakers match player stats because quarter-by-quarter numbers reveal something that the final score alone cannot.
Denver did not need to dominate the fourth quarter.
It needed to avoid giving back the lead it had created during the first three periods.
The Nuggets accomplished that.
First-half control set the tone
Denver opened with a 32-22 advantage.
The Nuggets then scored another 32 points in the second quarter.
Los Angeles responded with 32 in the second period, but Denver still reached halftime with a 64-54 lead.
That 10-point halftime margin forced the Lakers to spend the second half chasing the game.
The Lakers eventually improved their offensive output, scoring 32 points in the third quarter and 27 in the fourth.
But Denver’s first-half efficiency created enough separation to make the comeback difficult.
The role of turnovers
The turnover battle strongly favored Los Angeles.
The Lakers committed 10 turnovers.
Denver committed 18.
Los Angeles also recorded 12 steals compared with Denver’s 3.
Those numbers suggest that the Lakers successfully disrupted Denver’s ball handling.
Yet the Nuggets still won.
This is an important lesson when interpreting basketball statistics. Winning the turnover battle does not guarantee victory.
Denver compensated with:
- Better free throw shooting
- Better rebounding
- Slightly better three-point shooting
- Strong production from Jokic and Murray
- Efficient overall field goal shooting
The Nuggets’ 18 turnovers were a clear area for improvement, but their other advantages outweighed that weakness.
What the player stats reveal about the matchup
The individual numbers reveal a game built around different strengths.
Denver’s attack was centered on a two-player scoring and creation partnership.
Jokic combined scoring, rebounding, and passing.
Murray combined scoring, shooting, and secondary playmaking.
Los Angeles relied heavily on Doncic for shot creation while receiving important support from James, Reaves, Hayes, and Hachimura.
The Lakers actually received excellent efficiency from several players.
Hayes shot 80%.
Hachimura shot 66.7%.
James shot 63.6%.
Reaves shot 54.5%.
The challenge was that Denver’s strongest players produced enough volume to overcome those efficient supporting performances.
Player efficiency matters more than raw points
One of the most useful ways to read this game is to compare scoring output with shooting attempts.
Jokic scored 28 points on 15 field goal attempts.
Murray scored 28 on 17 attempts.
Hayes scored 19 on 10 attempts.
Hachimura scored 16 on 9 attempts.
By contrast, Doncic scored 27 points on 24 field goal attempts.
That does not mean Doncic played poorly. His 11 rebounds and 7 assists added considerable value.
It does show that Denver received more scoring efficiency from its primary offensive players.
This is particularly important in close games because efficient possessions reduce the number of opportunities needed to reach a target score.
Season series context
The first meeting of the season ended with the Lakers winning 115-107 on January 21, 2026.
The March matchup then went to Denver, 120-113.
At that point, the season series stood at 1-1.
A later meeting changed that record. On March 14 in Los Angeles, the Lakers defeated Denver 127-125 in overtime. Luka Doncic scored 30 points with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, while Austin Reaves scored 32. Jokic finished with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Therefore, if this article is specifically discussing the March Denver home game, the 1-1 season-series status is correct at that point in time.
If discussing the completed 2025-26 season series, however, it should not be described as 1-1. The later Lakers victory made the final series result 2-1 in Los Angeles’ favor.
A note about the game date
There is a small date distinction worth explaining for anyone researching this matchup.
The official NBA record lists the game at Ball Arena as Thursday, March 5, 2026. The associated AP recap was published early on Friday, March 6.
Some databases and articles may therefore refer to the contest as the March 5 game, while others may use March 6 because of the publication date.
For statistical purposes, the important identifiers are the matchup, Ball Arena, the 120-113 final, and the official game record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Denver Nuggets vs Lakers game?
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120-113 at Ball Arena. Denver led 32-22 after the first quarter and maintained the advantage through the final buzzer.
Who led the Nuggets in scoring?
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each scored 28 points. Jokic added 12 rebounds and 13 assists, while Murray recorded 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
Who led the Lakers in scoring?
Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 27 points. He also recorded 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals.
How did Nikola Jokic perform against the Lakers?
Jokic finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, giving him a triple-double. He shot 10-of-15 from the field and made all eight of his free throws.
Which team shot better?
The teams were almost identical in overall field goal percentage. Denver shot 52.0%, while Los Angeles shot 51.7%. Denver had the better three-point percentage at 45.2% compared with 41.9% for Los Angeles.
Why did Denver win despite committing more turnovers?
Denver committed 18 turnovers compared with 10 for Los Angeles, but the Nuggets compensated through rebounding, three-point efficiency, and especially free throw shooting. Denver made 28 free throws compared with 10 for Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The denver nuggets vs lakers match player stats show a game in which Denver won through a combination of efficient scoring, rebounding, and free throw execution rather than overwhelming Los Angeles in every category.
Nikola Jokic was the central figure with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. Jamal Murray matched his 28 points and added five made three-pointers. Together, they produced 56 points and 20 assists, giving Denver a powerful combination of scoring and playmaking.
Los Angeles had several strong individual performances. Luka Doncic recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds, LeBron James delivered 16 points and 8 assists while reaching a historic career milestone, Jaxson Hayes shot 8-of-10 for 19 points, and Rui Hachimura made four of five three-point attempts.
The team comparison explains the final margin more clearly. Both teams shot roughly 52% from the field, but Denver finished with a 41-32 rebounding advantage, a 14-13 edge in made threes, and a major 28-10 advantage in made free throws.
Denver’s 18 turnovers gave Los Angeles opportunities, and the Lakers’ 12 steals demonstrated how effectively they disrupted the Nuggets’ possession game. Even so, Denver’s efficiency in the most valuable scoring situations allowed the home team to maintain control.
The game also sits within a larger three-game season series. After the March Denver meeting, the series was tied 1-1. The Lakers later won the third meeting in overtime, 127-125, giving them the completed season-series advantage.
For readers studying player performance, the biggest lesson from this matchup is that points alone do not explain the result. Jokic’s passing, Murray’s perimeter shooting, Denver’s rebounding, and the team’s free throw accuracy all played major roles. Likewise, Los Angeles’ strong field goal percentage and low turnover count were not enough to overcome Denver’s advantages in other possession categories.
