On March 14, 2026, the Lakers beat Denver 127-125 in overtime at Crypto.com Arena. This Denver Nuggets vs Lakers Match Player Stats report covers the teams’ latest completed meeting.
The Lakers entered with a 41-25 record, while Denver entered at 41-26. The result decided the regular-season series and affected a tightly grouped Western Conference race.
Peyton Watson and Maxi Kleber missed the game through injury. Late execution decided the contest after Denver erased a 17-point deficit.
Match Overview
Los Angeles controlled the first half and carried an 11-point lead into halftime. Denver responded with a 37-point third quarter before taking control during the fourth.
Austin Reaves forced overtime after intentionally missing a free throw and recovering the rebound. Luka Doncic then scored the winning basket with 0.5 seconds remaining.
| Match detail | Information |
| Date | March 14, 2026 |
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Competition | 2025-26 NBA regular season |
| Final score | Lakers 127, Nuggets 125, overtime |
| Records after game | Lakers 42-25, Nuggets 41-27 |
| Attendance | 18,997 |
Pre-Match Context
Los Angeles began the night one-half game ahead of Denver. Both teams were competing within a compressed Western Conference playoff race.
The Lakers had also won four consecutive games. Denver could have moved ahead of Los Angeles with a road victory.
The season series stood level at one victory each. Therefore, this meeting also determined the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Denver listed Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray as probable. Both players remained available and started.
Los Angeles listed Jaxson Hayes as probable, and he also played. Watson and Kleber represented the most significant injury absences.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
The Lakers won each of the first two quarters. Denver matched that combined margin by winning the third quarter by 11 points.
Both teams scored 31 points during the fourth. Los Angeles then held a two-point advantage during overtime.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT |
| Denver Nuggets | 26 | 24 | 37 | 31 | 7 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 34 | 27 | 26 | 31 | 9 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Denver opened with a 7-6 advantage before Los Angeles created the first sustained run. Reaves and Doncic made consecutive three-pointers during that response.
Marcus Smart later added another three-pointer. The Lakers finished the quarter ahead 34-26.
Los Angeles shot 59.1 percent during the period. Doncic recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Second Quarter
Smart opened the quarter with another three-pointer. LeBron James followed with a transition three as Los Angeles extended its advantage.
The Lakers eventually built their largest lead at 49-32. Denver responded through Christian Braun and reduced the gap.
Los Angeles rebuilt its advantage before halftime. The Lakers entered the break ahead 61-50 after shooting 57 percent.
Third Quarter
Denver increased its offensive pace after halftime. The Nuggets made 15 of their 22 field-goal attempts during the quarter.
Nikola Jokic completed a four-point play before creating a steal and transition dunk. Those plays reduced Denver’s deficit to three points.
The Nuggets won the quarter 37-26. The score stood level at 87 entering the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Tim Hardaway Jr. opened the fourth with a three-pointer. Denver later established a 106-98 advantage through Spencer Jones.
Doncic tied the game with three free throws. Gordon restored Denver’s lead with a three-pointer.
Smart answered with a driving layup before Hardaway made another three-pointer. Denver led 118-115 with 5.2 seconds remaining.
Reaves made his first free throw and intentionally missed the second. He recovered the rebound and scored with 1.9 seconds left.
That sequence tied the game at 118. Denver could not score before regulation expired.
Overtime
Jamal Murray committed his sixth foul early during overtime. Deandre Ayton then scored twice inside the paint.
Gordon gave Denver a 123-122 advantage with a step-back three-pointer. Smart answered from deep with 30.7 seconds remaining.
Jokic tied the score through a layup with 15.1 seconds left. Doncic then made an 18-foot step-back shot.
The basket gave Los Angeles a 127-125 lead with 0.5 seconds remaining. Doncic blocked Hardaway’s final three-point attempt.
Team Stats Comparison
The team numbers show two different offensive approaches. Denver generated more three-pointers, while Los Angeles scored more efficiently inside the arc.
The Lakers also produced advantages in rebounding, paint scoring, and second-chance points. Denver created more fast-break scoring and committed one fewer turnover.
| Statistic | Nuggets | Lakers | Difference | Advantage |
| Field goals | 44-95 | 48-93 | Lakers +4 makes | Lakers |
| Field-goal percentage | 46.3% | 51.6% | Lakers +5.3% | Lakers |
| Three-pointers | 19-49 | 14-42 | Nuggets +5 makes | Nuggets |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 17-26 | Nuggets +1 make | Nuggets |
| Total rebounds | 41 | 46 | Lakers +5 | Lakers |
| Assists | 33 | 31 | Nuggets +2 | Nuggets |
| Turnovers | 16 | 17 | Nuggets -1 | Nuggets |
| Points in paint | 44 | 56 | Lakers +12 | Lakers |
| Second-chance points | 7 | 13 | Lakers +6 | Lakers |
| Fast-break points | 25 | 15 | Nuggets +10 | Nuggets |
Key Numbers That Decided the Game
The final margins explain how Los Angeles survived Denver’s second-half recovery.
- Los Angeles shot 51.6 percent and made four more field goals.
- The Lakers scored 56 paint points compared with Denver’s 44.
- Los Angeles held a 46-41 rebounding advantage.
- Denver made five more three-pointers but attempted seven more shots.
- The Lakers scored six more second-chance points.
- Both teams combined for nine lead changes and seven ties.
Full Box Score: Denver Nuggets
Denver received 27 points from Gordon and a triple-double from Jokic. Hardaway added 20 points from the bench.
Five Nuggets scored at least 12 points. However, Murray finished with five points and made one field goal.
Denver recorded 33 assists on 44 made baskets. The Nuggets also produced 13 steals but committed 16 turnovers.
Denver Shooting and Minutes
| Player | MIN | FG | 3P | FT |
| Cameron Johnson | 43:01 | 6-13 | 4-10 | 2-2 |
| Aaron Gordon | 34:49 | 9-16 | 5-10 | 4-7 |
| Nikola Jokic | 43:00 | 10-19 | 2-6 | 2-2 |
| Christian Braun | 33:12 | 5-9 | 0-2 | 2-2 |
| Jamal Murray | 36:03 | 1-14 | 1-7 | 2-3 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 28:33 | 6-13 | 4-10 | 4-4 |
| Spencer Jones | 23:26 | 2-4 | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Bruce Brown | 19:41 | 4-6 | 2-3 | 2-2 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | 3:15 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Denver Scoring and Playmaking
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | +/- |
| Cameron Johnson | 18 | 4 | 3 | +15 |
| Aaron Gordon | 27 | 5 | 2 | -3 |
| Nikola Jokic | 24 | 16 | 14 | +6 |
| Christian Braun | 12 | 1 | 3 | -6 |
| Jamal Murray | 5 | 6 | 6 | -9 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 20 | 1 | 3 | +2 |
| Spencer Jones | 5 | 3 | 0 | -2 |
| Bruce Brown | 12 | 4 | 2 | -5 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | 2 | 1 | 0 | -8 |
Denver Defensive and Possession Stats
| Player | STL | BLK | TO | PF |
| Cameron Johnson | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Aaron Gordon | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Nikola Jokic | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Christian Braun | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Jamal Murray | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Spencer Jones | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Bruce Brown | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Full Box Score: Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles placed four starters in double figures. Reaves led all scorers, while Doncic completed a triple-double.
Smart scored 21 points and made five three-pointers. He also recorded five steals without committing a turnover.
The Lakers shot above 50 percent despite making 65.4 percent of their free throws. Their rebounding and paint scoring provided important extra possessions.
Lakers Shooting and Minutes
| Player | MIN | FG | 3P | FT |
| LeBron James | 40:13 | 7-13 | 1-3 | 2-3 |
| Marcus Smart | 35:18 | 8-15 | 5-12 | 0-0 |
| Deandre Ayton | 27:04 | 4-6 | 0-0 | 1-4 |
| Austin Reaves | 45:31 | 12-21 | 3-8 | 5-6 |
| Luka Doncic | 43:01 | 10-26 | 4-14 | 6-9 |
| Luke Kennard | 16:00 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-0 |
| Rui Hachimura | 25:24 | 3-6 | 0-3 | 0-0 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 20:50 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 3-4 |
| Jake LaRavia | 11:39 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Lakers Scoring and Playmaking
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | +/- |
| LeBron James | 17 | 6 | 5 | +6 |
| Marcus Smart | 21 | 3 | 2 | +16 |
| Deandre Ayton | 9 | 9 | 2 | +1 |
| Austin Reaves | 32 | 7 | 6 | +7 |
| Luka Doncic | 30 | 11 | 13 | -4 |
| Luke Kennard | 3 | 1 | 2 | -9 |
| Rui Hachimura | 6 | 4 | 0 | -8 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 5 | 4 | 0 | -2 |
| Jake LaRavia | 4 | 1 | 1 | +3 |
Lakers Defensive and Possession Stats
| Player | STL | BLK | TO | PF |
| LeBron James | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Marcus Smart | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Deandre Ayton | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Austin Reaves | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Luka Doncic | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Luke Kennard | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rui Hachimura | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Jake LaRavia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Game Leaders and Top Performers
Austin Reaves
Reaves scored a game-high 32 points while adding seven rebounds and six assists. He made 12 of his 21 field-goal attempts.
His intentional free-throw miss created the tying basket near regulation’s end. He also played a game-high 45 minutes.
Luka Doncic
Doncic finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. It was his eighth triple-double of the season.
He scored the winning basket with 0.5 seconds remaining. He then blocked Denver’s final shot attempt.
Nikola Jokic
Jokic recorded 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists. He also produced a game-high five steals.
His layup tied overtime with 15.1 seconds remaining. Denver scored 44 paint points against Los Angeles.
Aaron Gordon
Gordon led Denver with 27 points. He made five three-pointers and added five rebounds.
His overtime three-pointer placed Denver ahead with 47 seconds left. Los Angeles answered on its next possession.
Marcus Smart
Smart contributed 21 points and made five three-pointers. He also recorded five steals without committing a turnover.
His final three-pointer gave Los Angeles a two-point overtime lead. Jokic tied the score before Doncic’s winner.
| Player | Team | Points | Other production | Key moment |
| Austin Reaves | Lakers | 32 | 7 REB, 6 AST | Forced overtime |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 30 | 11 REB, 13 AST | Winning basket |
| Aaron Gordon | Nuggets | 27 | 5 REB, five 3PM | OT lead basket |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 24 | 16 REB, 14 AST | OT tying basket |
| Marcus Smart | Lakers | 21 | 5 STL, zero TO | Late OT three |
Starting Lineups
Both teams used their established starting units. Gordon, Murray, and Hayes played despite probable injury designations.
Denver started Jokic at center with Gordon and Johnson at forward. Los Angeles paired Doncic and Reaves in the backcourt.
| Position | Denver Nuggets | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Guard | Jamal Murray | Luka Doncic |
| Guard | Christian Braun | Austin Reaves |
| Forward | Cameron Johnson | LeBron James |
| Forward | Aaron Gordon | Marcus Smart |
| Center | Nikola Jokic | Deandre Ayton |
Injury Report
Denver entered without Watson because of a right hamstring strain. His absence reduced Denver’s defensive wing depth.
Los Angeles remained without Kleber because of a lumbar back strain. Hayes remained available and played nearly 21 minutes.
No player received an official questionable designation. Several other inactive players were assigned to the G League.
| Player | Injury or reason | Status |
| Peyton Watson | Right hamstring strain | Out |
| Maxi Kleber | Lumbar back strain | Out |
| Aaron Gordon | Right hamstring management | Probable, played |
| Jamal Murray | Left ankle sprain | Probable, played |
| Jaxson Hayes | Back soreness | Probable, played |
| DaRon Holmes II | G League assignment | Out |
| Curtis Jones | G League two-way assignment | Out |
| KJ Simpson | G League two-way assignment | Out |
Season Series and Head-to-Head History
Los Angeles won two of the three regular-season meetings and secured the 2025-26 season tiebreaker.
| Date | Venue | Result | Series standing |
| January 20, 2026 | Ball Arena | Lakers 115, Nuggets 107 | Lakers led 1-0 |
| March 5, 2026 | Ball Arena | Nuggets 120, Lakers 113 | Series tied 1-1 |
| March 14, 2026 | Crypto.com Arena | Lakers 127, Nuggets 125 OT | Lakers won 2-1 |
Denver controlled the teams’ two most recent playoff series before this regular-season matchup. The Nuggets swept the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Denver then won their 2024 first-round series in five games. Los Angeles reversed the 2025-26 regular-season series result.
| Playoff season | Round | Series result |
| 2023 | Western Conference Finals | Nuggets won 4-0 |
| 2024 | First round | Nuggets won 4-1 |
Western Conference Standings
The victory moved Los Angeles into third place. Denver dropped to sixth within the conference’s crowded direct-playoff positions.
The third through sixth seeds were separated by only 1.5 games after the result.
| Team | Record | West position | Result impact |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 42-25 | 3rd | Moved above Houston |
| Denver Nuggets | 41-27 | 6th | Remained in direct-playoff race |
Broadcast and Streaming Information
ABC carried the game nationally in the United States. The scheduled tip time was 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Authenticated subscribers could also access the broadcast through ESPN’s digital platforms. Availability depended on television provider and location.
| Coverage detail | Information |
| Television | ABC |
| Streaming | ESPN app and Watch ESPN |
| Scheduled tip | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| Local time | 5:30 p.m. PT |
| Arena | Crypto.com Arena |
Conclusion
The Lakers completed a five-game winning streak and secured the season-series tiebreaker. Their victory also strengthened their Western Conference seeding position.
Denver’s third-quarter recovery transformed a one-sided first half into a possession-by-possession finish. Rebounding and interior scoring helped Los Angeles withstand that response.
The game turned on Reaves’ late recovery and Doncic’s overtime execution. Denver remained within the direct-playoff race despite the defeat.
Both teams left the matchup facing a compressed conference table. Their remaining schedules would determine final playoff positioning and potential postseason matchups.
For more match updates, read: Houston Astros vs New York Yankees Match Player Stats
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Denver Nuggets versus Lakers game?
The Lakers defeated Denver 127-125 in overtime at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026. Doncic scored the winning basket with 0.5 seconds left.
Who scored the most points in the Nuggets versus Lakers game?
Austin Reaves led all players with 32 points. He made 12 field goals and also recorded seven rebounds and six assists.
Did Nikola Jokic record a triple-double against the Lakers?
Yes. Jokic finished with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists. He also led both teams with five steals.
How did Austin Reaves force overtime?
Reaves intentionally missed his second free throw with 5.2 seconds remaining. He recovered the rebound and scored a tying floater.
Who made the game-winning shot for the Lakers?
Luka Doncic made an 18-foot step-back shot with 0.5 seconds remaining. The basket gave Los Angeles a two-point victory.
Which players missed the game through injury?
Denver played without Peyton Watson because of a hamstring strain. Los Angeles ruled out Maxi Kleber because of a back strain.
Who won the 2025-26 season series?
The Lakers won the regular-season series two games to one. They won the January and March 14 meetings against Denver.
