Results for: Los Angeles Lakers

Despite missing the final three quarters of an important game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a head injury, Anthony Davis (AD) was determined to play in a crucial matchup against the Golden State Warriors. However, severe headaches and nausea forced him to leave the arena before tipoff. The Lakers’ defense struggled without AD, allowing the Warriors to shoot a league-record 63.4% from three-point range. Despite his absence, AD’s individual defense remains elite. He has the ability to guard any position effectively and is ranked among the league’s best in help defense, post defense, isolation defense, and rim protection. His defensive prowess will be crucial as the Lakers face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, particularly against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

The NBA playoffs kicked off this weekend, and the action lived up to the hype. All eight Game 1s were won by the home team, the first time that has happened since 2013. Here are some of the key takeaways:

* The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-109, extending their winning streak against L.A. to nine games.

* The Boston Celtics set a franchise playoff record with 22 made 3-pointers, while Jayson Tatum recorded his first career playoff triple-double in a 118-107 win over the Miami Heat.

* The Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks 110-108, despite another injury scare for Joel Embiid.

* The Toronto Raptors dropped Game 1 to the Orlando Magic 118-95, as the Magic held them to 32.6% shooting from the field.

* The Milwaukee Bucks took a 1-0 series lead over the Miami Heat with a 109-102 win, as new acquisition Damian Lillard poured in 35 first-half points.