Lakers vs. Nuggets live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

Lakers vs. Nuggets live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

The stage is set for the Nuggets and Lakers to begin their battle for the Western Conference crown.

Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the top-seeded Nuggets have been a force throughout the playoffs, earning series wins over the Timberwolves and Suns. LeBron James and the No. 7 seed Lakers have already pulled off two series upsets, eliminating the 2-seed Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors to reach the Western Conference Finals.

A trend will come to an end in Game 1 of these Western Conference Finals — the Nuggets enter with a 6-0 record at home during the postseason, while the Lakers have stolen road wins in Game 1 of each of their previous two series.

The Sporting News is tracking live score updates and highlights from throughout Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

MORE: Why Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic matchup will decide Western Conference Finals

Lakers vs. Nuggets score

Lakers vs. Nuggets live updates, highlights from Game 1

(All times Eastern.)

9:36 p.m. — Jokic knocks a three-pointer at the top of the arc off an Aaron Gordon offensive rebound. Then follows up a possession later with a baseline drive and dunk. He has 15 points and the Nuggets lead by 12.

9:35 p.m. — What a pass by LeBron James! He’s the only Laker not intimidated by this fiery Ball Arena crowd.

Bron DIME to AD 🔥

LAL/DEN Game 1, Q2 live on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/CrdB1nJEwp

— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023

9:28 p.m. — Los Angeles gets called for a delay of game as Jokic jumps up off the bench, Anthony Davis mirrors his return to the game. 

9:22 p.m. — Good defence leads to better offence for the Nuggets. Bruce Brown finishes off two fast break layups and the Nuggets jump out to 44-27 lead on the strength of controlling the pace of play. Brown leads all scorers with 11 points.  

9:17 p.m. END OF THE FIRST QUARTER — Jokic has dominated every facet of the game. He has 8 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. LeBron has been the Lakers’ best so far. James has 8 points and 4 rebounds.  

The big problem for L.A. is the 22-6 rebounding differential and the gap in bench points. Denver’s Bruce Brown and co. have 16 points compared the Lakers’ backups who’ve managed just two points. 

Nuggets 37 | Lakers 25

9:09 p.m. — Two steadying baskets by LeBron James and a block on Bruce Brown slows the game down and brings the Nuggets’ lead into focus for L.A. 34-23.

Christian Braun block🚫
LeBron chasedown 👑

LAL/DEN Game 1, Q2 next on ESPN!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by @GooglePixel_US pic.twitter.com/KkeKg1GBj8

— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023

9:09 p.m. — There is a 20-3 rebound discrepancy in favor of the Nuggets. The Lakers NEED to toughen up. They look totally flat-footed and breathless. 

9:04 p.m. — Nikola Jokic grabs his 10th rebound of the first quarter and baby hooks two points. Jokic has 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists already! 28-14

9:00 p.m. — Aaron Gordon just made Austin Reeves look very small. Gordon gave Reeves a bump to the chest and put the ball in the hole. The Lakers are losing every matchup at the minute.

8:53 p.m. — James misses a layup and Jamal Murray flies down the court the other way for two. Timeout Lakers. This has been a very lethargic start by L.A. Is the altitude a factor? 18-9 with 7:14 remaining in the first.

8:53 p.m. — Denver are big on the boards already, hauling in multiple offensive rebounds, coupled with some hot shooting they have an early lead 14-7 with just under eight minutes remaining.

8:51 p.m. — Due to a shot clock malfunction, rather than being on top of the backboard, they will be located on the floor in the corners of the court.

8:46 p.m. — Mirroring Game 6 against the Warriors; the Lakers are lining up with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reeves, D’Angelo Russell and Dennis Schroder. 

The Nuggets are going with their standard lineup of Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jnr, Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon. 

8:41 p.m. — The Draft Lottery results are in:
1. Spurs 2. Hornets 3. Trail Blazers 4. Rockets 5. Pistons 6. Magic 7. Pacers 8. Wizards 9. Jazz 10. Mavericks 11. Magic 12. Thunder 13. Raptors 14. Pelicans

8:25 p.m. — This game will tip-off shortly after the NBA Draft Lottery. The San Antonio Spurs have secured the No.1 pick.

7:10 p.m. — Game time is quickly approaching. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves are putting the work in to get ready.

Pregame reps. pic.twitter.com/7yCwZWbMkh

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 16, 2023

What channel is Lakers vs. Nuggets on?

• Date: Tuesday, May 16
• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: Sling TV

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be broadcast on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish

What time is Lakers vs. Nuggets today?

• Date: Tuesday, May 16
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT

Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip off around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. The game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver.

MORE: In quest for 5th ring, LeBron is proving everyone wrong… again

Lakers vs. Nuggets odds

The Nuggets enter Game 1 as 5.5-point favorites over the Lakers.

For the full market, check out BetMGM.

Lakers vs. Nuggets schedule

Here is the complete schedule for the Western Conference Finals series between Los Angeles and Denver:

*If necessary

Published at Wed, 17 May 2023 01:42:00 +0000