The Denver Nuggets (43-24) held firm in the clutch, overcoming a fierce challenge from an undermanned Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) squad to secure an intense 131-126 victory on March 15.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
Nikola Jokic 28 PTS | 7 REB | 3 STL | 51.9 FPS
Jokic has put up 34+ points in each of his last two games but couldn’t maintain his momentum due to struggles from the field and from deep. However, he still managed a significant scoring output, largely thanks to his 12 makes at the line, though he has been inefficient in that area this month, shooting just 66%. Despite that, his overall production remains impressive, though it has seen a noticeable decline in the last two games, compounded by his struggles with turnovers and foul trouble.
Jamal Murray 26 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 39.3 FPS
Murray bounced back strong today after a rough performance in his previous game. He has struggled offensively this month, particularly from three, but he knocked down five today, including a clutch shot that sealed the win. He also continues to excel at the line, with just one miss in 36 attempts, while maintaining strong playmaking and steals numbers.
Christian Braun 22 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 39.0 FPS
Braun was nearly unstoppable in this game, shooting 9-for-10 from the field to notch his third 20+ point performance this month. Aside from one game, he’s been highly consistent offensively, recording double-digit points since mid-January. But he continues to make strides, becoming a more consistent shooter from three this month.
Aaron Gordon 17 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST | 34.4 FPS
Gordon missed five of his last seven games but returned to the lineup today, logging 30 minutes. He didn’t take many shots but went 9-for-10 from the line, boosting his point total. He has been a strong producer when available but remains a risk due to his injuries, so monitor him for now.
Russell Westbrook 17 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST | 33.7 FPS
Russ has been highly productive this month, whether as a starter or coming off the bench. He’s proven to be a reliable scorer, consistently putting up double-digit points with efficient shooting in six outings. However, his lack of production at the line, combined with inconsistent three-point shooting, has limited his scoring to below 20 points in most games. He also continues to shine as a rebounder and playmaker, but it’s his strong defensive numbers that truly set him apart from players at his position.
Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers:
Austin Reaves 37 PTS | 8 REB | 13 AST | 74.1 FPS
Reaves has stepped up significantly in the absence of Doncic and James, delivering standout performances across seven categories. He started slow in his first few games back from a calf injury but has picked up the pace lately, steadily increasing his scoring output in consecutive games. This stretch includes two 50% shooting performances and two games with four made three-pointers. Additionally, he has been nearly flawless from the free-throw line, going 21-for-22, while recording double-digit assists in two games and maintaining strong rebounding numbers.
Dalton Knecht 32 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST | 35.9 FPS
Knecht has been a consistent scorer this month, posting double-digit points in five of his last six games. He’s a solid option in points leagues, especially with the team short on depth, but his limited contributions in other areas make him less valuable in category formats.
Jarred Vanderbilt 9 PTS | 7 REB | 7 AST | 35.9 FPS
Vanderbilt came close to a triple-double against the Nuggets while also recording three steals. He remains a dependable defensive contributor despite inconsistent minutes, providing solid value in rebounds and steals multiple times this month. However, his limited offensive production continues to cap his fantasy upside.
Shake Milton 16 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 28.5 FPS
Milton stepped up in the rotation with Doncic out and delivered a solid all-around performance, recording at least one stat in seven categories. While it’s unlikely he’ll sustain that performance for now, he should have another opportunity to contribute next week with another back-to-back games coming up.
Jordan Goodwin 10 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 25.2 FPS
Goodwin has emerged as a vital part of the rotation amid the injuries though his scoring has been up-and-down. However, he’s also provided decent contributions in rebounds and defense across four games this month.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Michael Porter Jr. 13 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST
MPJ extended his double-digit scoring streak, but his rebounding has taken a dip while his contributions elsewhere remained limited.
