The Lakers held Jokic, who entered the weekend leading the NBA in frontcourt touches with 56.6 touches, to 43 frontcourt touches on Saturday. He possessed the ball nearly a third less of the time on Saturday (3.1 minutes) than he did entering the matchup (4.5 minutes) and held the ball for shorter periods of time when he did have it.

The victory offered plenty of promise for the new-look Lakers, with Luka Doncic, acquired at the deadline, going off for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in his best game since being traded to Los Angeles. After the win, head coach JJ Redick offered some fiery words for his team in the locker room.

Winners of 13 of their last 14 against the Lakers and eight consecutive head-to-head matchups at home, the Nuggets (37-20) were taken out of their comfort zone by a new-look Los Angeles roster. Anthony Davis was the player cashed in for Doncic, but somehow it was the Lakers’ defense that affected the hosts most. Denver shot 40% from the floor.