Lakers roll over Nuggets in Game 1
Anthony Davis had 37 points and 10 rebounds, LeBron James added 15 points and 12 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 126114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Slow starters in the previous two rounds, the topseeded Lakers put the game away in a hurry, opening a doubledigit lead in the first half that they easily extended in the third quarter.
Kentavious CaldwellPope scored 18 points and Dwight Howard rejoined the rotation with 13 in a powerful return to the conference finals for the Lakers, who hadn’t been to the NBA’s final four since winning their last championship in 2010. Curry, Green may miss camp: When the Warriors open minicamp next week, they probably will be without guard Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green.
Green’s fiancée, Hazel Renee, is expected to give birth within the next couple of weeks. Curry also is doubtful for family reasons, according to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
“If they both aren’t able to make it, I don’t think it’s the end of the world,” Kerr told The Chronicle. “These guys have played a lot of basketball for us. They know the system, and they’ll be fine regardless.”
Players are expected to report Monday to a hotel near Chase Center to quarantine for two days. On Wednesday, they’ll begin a twoweek minicamp. The team will be isolated to the hotel, Chase Center and bus rides between the two. Coronavirus testing will be daily.
Though Green and Curry probably won’t be there, almost every other notable player from last season’s group should be in attendance. Five players from Golden State’s G League affiliate — Roger MouteaBidias, Zach Norvell, Jeremy Pargo, Jonathan Simmons and Ryan Taylor — are expected as well.
If Green and Curry can’t attend, they’ll end up going nineplus months away from their team. The NBA has announced it won’t start next season until after Christmas. Kerr did say Green or Curry could attend only part of minicamp if that works for their schedules.