Bulls vs Pistons. Lakers vs Celtics. Some of the rivalries that defined the NBA for a specific period. While not at that level, the on-court rivalry between the modern Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets has been one to watch out for. After all, around 8 times over the last 2 seasons, and 5 times in the playoffs, the Lakers have traveled to Denver only to leave with a loss. Being handed Ls by Nikola Jokic and Co. had Lakers fans’ desire for a moment when their team would get the better of their rivals. Fortunately, that day arrived a few hours ago.

The recent Lakers-Nuggets matchup at the Ball Arena saw the men in Purple and Gold secure the win by a 123-100 score. Not only was it the Lakers’ biggest win of the season, but it also marked the first time since April 10th, 2022 that LeBron James and Co. have won a regular season game in Colorado City. The win generated reactions from all sides, including from 5x NBA champion Magic Johnson. However, no one was more ecstatic than the fans who have been yearning for this day to come.

How did fans react to the Lakers’ historic win against the Denver Nuggets?

One social media user used the opportunity to mock the Nuggets head coach. Along with highlighting a GIF of Michael Malone’s disappointed face, he/she added “GN Laker daddy or whatever you call yourself. Makes me joyful”.

This comment was a reference to a remark that went viral around 2 years ago. Back in June 2023, the Denver Nuggets were honored in a parade marking their championship win over the Miami Heat. When introducing Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets broadcaster Vic Lombardi stated, “He came into this world as the son of a coach, but in these playoffs he became the Lakers’ daddy.”

To get to the 2023 NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic and Co. had to first defeat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The same posed no trouble. After all, the Nuggets did a clean sweep (4-0) to put down the 2020 NBA champions. A reminder was provided of the Nuggets feat a year later when the team defeated the Lakers 4-1 right in the first round of the playoffs. Therefore, if all those wins made Michael Malone and his squad feel invincible, they have been brought down to earth now.

One individual wrote, “THE NUGGETS DONT OWN US ANYMORE MAN OMFG. LUKA U SAVED MY FCKN LIFE BRO”. Looking at all the previous losses and the recent win, it isn’t a big secret about what was different. Yes, the NBA community was surprised after Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. After all, the men in Gold and Blue had let go of a key defensive player. At the same time, however, they improved their offensive standing. There is no better time to appreciate that trade than now. After all, Luka Doncic led the offensive effort with his 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. LeBron James followed behind the Slovenian with his 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Therefore, not only Michael Malone, but Mavericks GM Nico Harrison would be another upset person today.

Another social media user made use of a hilarious GIF. He followed it with a comment that read “Lakers actually punched back after a Nuggets rally”. This referred to how, before the loss against LeBron James and co, the Nuggets had established a 9-game win streak! Another win and the first 10-game win streak would have been established under Michael Malone. When talking about the 9-game win streak, Malone said “It beats the alternative”. He also wasn’t too overconfident, admitting that their schedule of upcoming games was a “bear”. Well, the bear did not wait too long to strike now, did it?

One individual highlighted a picture of JJ Redick in his tweet. He added a caption that read “Michael Malone who’s your Daddy??”

Going into the NBA season, there were doubts about how the Lakers would thrive under JJ Redick’s coaching. After all, the ongoing tournament marks the first time the former player has coached for any professional basketball team. When Michael Malone spoke about Redick’s coaching in November 2024, he compared the first-year coach with his predecessor, Darvin Ham. Malone stated, “So I think JJ is doing a hell of a job. But to compare JJ versus Darvin [Ham], this year to last year, I would be remiss to kind of speak on that because I was watching Dallas film and then I was watching our game after on the plane last night and then you turn the page quickly and get ready for tonight.” Well, Redick did recently what Ham couldn’t.

Another social media user took a dig at Michael Malone by stating, “There’s nothing I hate more than dumb teams and low IQ teams. How do you not target Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic on defense ? Those two are on the court together and it never occurred to them to go at Luka and Reaves ? Michael Malone should be fired!!”. Yikes!

You know that there have been some lapses on the defensive front when Luka Doncic made 32 points! That many points to accompany his 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. After all, this was the same player who, in his first 3 games with the Lakers, had made 14, 16, and 14 points respectively. Furthermore, Austin Reaves made 23 points by going 7-13 (53.8%) with his field goals, and 4-7 (57.1%) with his three-pointers. This was the highest shooting percentage secured by the player in quite a while.

Overall, the majority of individuals were not pleased with Michael Malone. However, they were glad that the Lakers got their moment to shine. This recent win has brought LeBron James and Co a bit closer to the playoffs. With the Denver Nuggets still above them on the points chart, there is a good possibility that the two teams will meet again. Fortunately, if the recent win has shown anything, it is that the Lakers are better prepared now than in the last 2 years.