5. March 13th: Nuggets @ Lakers (W, 112-103)
26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 10/20 on field goals, 5/11 on 3s
This was the final game of the season between the Lakers and Nuggets and was preceded by some bad blood between the teams. The Lakers lost the previous two games before their March 13th matchup but ended the season on top behind great games from Julius Randle, Isaiah Thomas, and Kyle Kuzma.
During the game, Kuzma actually sprained his ankle and had to leave to get it taped up. Luke Walton later talked about Kuzma’s resiliency and his insistence to get back into the game.
"“He sprained the ankle and kept telling me, `Coach, I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go.’ I put him back eventually…”"
Kuzma made five 3s which were tied for the 3rd most he had all season. He had 13 rebounds which were also tied for the 3rd most he had in his rookie season. He only had two points in the first half, leading to a 24-point second half.
This game was Kuzma’s final big game of the season and again showed his value as a stretch-4. There are not many people in the NBA who can shoot 50 percent from the sinking, sink five 3s, and contribute 13 rebounds all in the same game. He also did all of that in a huge statement game the Lakers had against a team who had punked them previously.
It showed Kuzma’s continued ability to come up big in big games, which should give Lakers’ fans confidence moving forward.