The Lakers lost 126-131 to the Nuggets, their fourth straight loss. With Luka Doncic out with an injury, Redick put Browney back into the rotation. The Lakers played with their third unit until the final minutes. Milton’s missed sideline shot led to Westbrook’s dunk to seal the win.
Browne last played in the NBA on March 5 and was last in the rotation on Jan. 29 against the 76ers, but his strong G League performance has helped him build confidence. In the first quarter, Browne played three minutes on 1-of-1 shooting and 2-of-2 free throws, finishing with five points and one rebound, four points shy of his NBA career high of nine.
In the second quarter, Browne played 2 minutes and went 0 for 2 from 3-point range without any numbers. By halftime, he had five points and one rebound on 1-of-3 shooting. In the third quarter, Browne, still a regular in the rotation and getting more playing time due to the Lakers’ extensive injuries, made a steal and was positive, but he missed a tying three-pointer and went 0-of-1 with one steal in four minutes. Through three quarters, he was 1 for 4 from 3-point range.
At the end of the game, Brownie threw an air ball in the bottom corner of the super wide open, which was desperate. He was then substituted. Reeves made two clutch steals to give the Lakers a three-point lead with 52 seconds left in regulation. However, Jokic’s crucial 2+1 made it even. After Reeves missed the shot, Murray finished with 6 seconds left in regulation. After Redick called a timeout, Milton’s sideline shot was stolen by Westbrook, who sealed the win with a dunk.
Westbrook finished the game with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds off the bench. Jokic had 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block; Murray had 26 points, five assists and four rebounds; Braun finished with 22 points and six assists on 9-of-10 shooting; Gordon had 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Browne played 16 minutes of the game, shooting 1 of 5 from 3-point range, five points, two rebounds, zero assists and one steal, shooting just 20 per cent. The Lakers’ efforts were ultimately undone by Milton’s fatal turnover.
