By The Press Team April 25 2024 Updated 1149 Pm Pt

5 Takeaways as Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon Step Up in Game 3

By The Press Team | April 25, 2024 | Updated 11:49 PM PT

It's a colossal climb the Lakers are on, trouble lurking at every step. Here are five takeaways from Saturday.

After the final tally, there are two more numbers to digest: The Nuggets are up 2-0 in this first-round series. With a 120-111 win in Game 3, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon put the Lakers on the brink of elimination.

The Nuggets' stars didn't do their damage at the same time against the Lakers on Saturday night, but their collective effort was enough to earn a crucial victory.

Here are five takeaways from Game 3:

1. Nikola Jokic is unstoppable. The reigning MVP had another dominant performance, scoring 31 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. He was a force on both ends of the court, and the Lakers had no answer for him.
2. Aaron Gordon is a difference-maker. Gordon had a breakout game in Game 3, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He was a key contributor on both ends of the court, and his energy and intensity helped the Nuggets win.
3. The Lakers are in trouble. The Lakers are now down 2-0 in the series, and they are facing an uphill climb to get back in it. They need to find a way to slow down Jokic and Gordon, and they need to start playing with more urgency.
4. The Nuggets are confident. The Nuggets are playing with a lot of confidence right now, and they believe they can win this series. They have a lot of talent, and they are playing well together.
5. The series is far from over. The Lakers are still a dangerous team, and they have shown that they can beat the Nuggets. This series is far from over, and it could go either way.

The Nuggets will have a chance to close out the series in Game 4 on Monday night. The Lakers will need to find a way to win in Denver if they want to keep their season alive.