LOS ANGELES – Another game. Another milestone.
LeBron James became the only player in NBA history to reach the 40,000-point plateau, scoring 26 against the Denver Nuggets Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena.
But the defending champion Nuggets played the spoilers’ role on James’ historic night as Nikola Jokic bagged 35 points and Denver escaped with a 124-114 victory.
Michael Porter Jr. went 10-of-10 from the field to finish with 25 points while Aaron Gordon added 19, including the go-ahead 3 that sparked a 19-6 fourth quarter run.
Jamal Murray added 24 points and 11 assists.
“I don’t think it matters who we’re playing and what night it is, we’re coming to win, and we’re taking care of business the way we’re supposed to,” Nuggets guard Justin Holiday said.
Rui Hachimura had 23 points, and Anthony Davis added 17 points and 11 rebounds and each of the five Los Angeles starters had at least 17 points.But it fell short against the rampaging Nuggets.
“Being the first player to do something, it’s pretty cool in this league, just knowing the history, the greats that’s come through the league and then you see some of the greats on the floor tonight, it was great to compete,” James said.
“But for me, the main thing, as always, is to win, and I hated that it had to happen in a defeat.”
Davis echoed LeBron’s frustrations.
“Man, you look at a lot of great players that have played this game, and no one was even close to 40,” Davis said. “Obviously, it’s a great moment, obviously it would be better if we get the win.”
