NBA Notes: Lakers, LeBron James, Nuggets, Jamal Murray, Timberwolves

Lakers

The Lakers didn’t waste their break. They used it.

Already dealing with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles caught another shift before Game 1 when Kevin Durant was ruled out for Houston.

The Lakers responded with a 107-98 win and a 1-0 series lead.

LeBron James controlled the game early, piling up eight assists in the first quarter on his way to 19 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. The offense flowed from there.

All five starters reached double figures.

Luke Kennard led the way with 27 points, knocking down shots and thriving off James’ playmaking. Deandre Ayton added 18 on efficient looks. Rui Hachimura chipped in 14.

There was a brief wobble late in the second quarter. Turnovers crept in. Houston made a push. But the response came quickly.

Los Angeles had spent the final stretch of the regular season adjusting to life without its backcourt. That preparation showed. The Lakers looked comfortable, connected and confident.

Game 2 is Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Durant’s status will dominate the conversation. The Lakers already have momentum.

Nuggets

The Nuggets know what playoff basketball requires. They showed it again.

Denver opened its series with a 116-105 win over Minnesota, leaning heavily on Jamal Murray, who delivered 30 points and a remarkable 16-for-16 performance at the free-throw line.

“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them,” Murray said, via ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “I don’t know what everybody’s talking about. [They were] real fouls.”

The Nuggets needed every bit of it. The outside shot disappeared in the second half. Denver went 1-for-17 from three after halftime. A comfortable lead suddenly felt less secure.

Murray didn’t let it slip. He attacked. He got to the line. He controlled the pace when the offense stalled.

“He was 0-for-8 from 3. That’s not going to happen [often],” coach David Adelman said. “Jamal has been Jamal all year, just tough-minded.”

This is what Denver leans on. Composure. Experience. A guard who knows how to close.

Timberwolves

The Timberwolves had chances, but they didn’t maximize them.

Minnesota kept things within reach for long stretches, even as Denver built a double-digit lead. The difference showed up in the details.

Free throws tilted heavily toward the Nuggets. Execution slipped late. Composure wavered.

“Sixteen free throws is a lot. It’s almost as many as we shot all game,” coach Chris Finch said.

The frustration was clear. Finch pointed to moments that swung the game, including unnecessary fouls and missed opportunities to stay within striking distance.

“We’ve got to be more composed,” he said.

Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points but looked to be working his way back into rhythm following a knee issue.

“He looked normal for what he’s been through,” Finch said.

Normal wasn’t enough. Game 1 showed the gap. Game 2 will test whether Minnesota can close it.