NBA bubble breakdown: Kyle Kuzma breaks out, hits game-winner for Lakers vs. Nuggets

SportsPulse: Ian Eagle has seen almost everything in sports, except for an entire league operating within a bubble. The NBA broadcaster fills us in on what it’s been like on the Disney campus and why it’s been a success thus far. USA TODAY

It’s been inconsistent for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA bubble so far. 

While the team has locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, they entered play Monday night just 2-4 in Orlando. Particularly concerning has been the Lakers’ offensive play, with the team scoring under 100 points three different times.

But the offense found rhythm Monday, as the Lakers shot 54.3% from the field in a 124-121 win over the Denver Nuggets. LeBron James did LeBron James things — game highs in points (29) and assists (12) — and Anthony Davis was his usual dominant self, filling the stat sheet while scoring 27 on just 15 shots. 

But it was Kyle Kuzma who played the role of somewhat unlikely hero for Los Angeles, as he scored 25 points — tied for his third-highest total of the season — and hit the game-winner with less than a second to go. 

The manner of Kuzma’s game-winner was impressive, too, as he got his jumper off over hard-charging, 7-foot-2 Nuggets rookie Bol Bol. 

Kuzma was certainly confident with the ball in his hands late. 

“I think Jesus could be in front of me and I’ll probably still shoot it,” he said postgame. 

The 25-year-old, third-year pro went 11-for-16 from the field, including 3-for-5 from 3, and pulled down six rebounds. If he’s able to replicate performances like Monday’s in the playoffs, the Lakers could be even tougher to defeat in a seven-game series.  

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma hits the game-winning 3-pointer over the Denver Nuggets’ Bol Bol.

 (Photo: Ashley Landis, Pool Photo/USA TODAY Sports) Monday’s games

Suns 128, Thunder 101:Phoenix has yet to lose in the bubble, the only unbeaten team in the NBA restart at 6-0. 

Mavericks 122, Jazz 114: Dallas came back from 22 down, but this one was lacking star power as Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis were held out and Donovan Mitchell did not play for Utah. 

Raptors 114, Bucks 106: Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo underwent oral surgery Monday and did not play in the battle of the East’s top two teams. 

Heat 114, Pacers 92: The anticipated Jimmy Butler-T.J. Warren rematch did not produce many fireworks, with Indiana’s breakout bubble star scoring 12 points in what was a rough offensive night overall for the Pacers. 

Lakers 124, Nuggets 121: L.A. finally found some offense in the bubble, securing the win on Kyle Kuzma’s late jumper.  

Tuesday’s schedule 

All times Eastern. All games available on League Pass.

State of the playoff race

The Heat took a one-game lead on the Pacers in the battle for the No. 4 seed with their head-to-head victory, but otherwise Monday produced little movement in the East. 

In the West, the Nuggets’ loss to the Lakers prevented them from gaining any ground on the Clippers in the chase for the No. 2 seed. The Rockets are a game back on Denver for No. 3. Just a half game separates the Thunder and Jazz at the No. 5 and No. 6 seeds, respectively, while the No. 7 Mavericks have sneaked one game back of Utah. At the bottom of the bracket, the Grizzlies remain the 8-seed, but the Trail Blazers are just a half game behind, with the Suns and Spurs both a half game behind them.    

Essential reading 

‘GROUP ECONOMICS’: Andre Iguodala is acting on his jersey message

BUBBLE LIFE: Wizards’ doctor takes breaks with morning runs, book club

COVID-19: How NBA has expanded community testing in team markets

RACE FOR EIGHTH: Will contenders’ rest influence who gets No. 8 seed?

DELETE EIGHT: Teams not in the bubble losing ground for next season 

UNSUNG HERO: One of bubble’s most essential figures won’t be on court

DOING HIS PART: How Moe Harkless used quarantine to support Black culture

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Last SlideNext Slide