The Denver Nuggets went into the locker room against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday with a 71-57 lead. 

They would end up losing 115-107 as the Lakers' defense swarmed Jamal Murray, and Luka Doncic took over to record a triple-double. 

In the second half, Doncic scored 15 points while collecting seven rebounds and dishing seven assists. He would finish with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and ten assists to only three turnovers. 

Speaking to the media after the game, Nuggets guard Peyton Watson was asked what makes Doncic such a difficult cover. 

"A lot of things. I mean 6'7", super strong, big body, great touch, and just obviously one of the crazier offensive players that we've seen in a long time," he said. 

Doncic shot 12 free throws in the game, knocking down 11 of them. The Nuggets shot 19 free throws as a team. 

"And then also his ability to get a whistle. I feel like every time he's coming at me, I'm trying not to foul him," said Watson. 

The Lakers shot 32 free throws as a team. 

Watson said he is always mindful that Luka can draw a foul at any time, as he shoots the most free throws in the league, which makes him an even tougher cover. 

He did credit Luka for picking apart the game, calling him "surgical" and attacking the matchups he likes. 

Deni Avdija leads the league in total free throws taken at 404 in 41 games. Luka has 390 free throws taken in 34 games. He is the only player to average double-digit free throw attempts per game at 11.5. 

The Lakers' defense has been subject to much scrutiny throughout the season, but they effectively removed Luka from their own defense in the second half by doubling Jamal Murray, leaving the Nuggets to play 4-on-3. 

Unfortunately for Denver, they couldn't capitalize. 

Tim Hardaway Jr, who is shooting 40% from three on the season, went 0-8 from deep. It was only the second time all season he didn't make a single three-pointer, going 0-3 against the Chicago Bulls back in November. 

Watson shot 50% from deep on eight attempts, but struggled in the restricted area, going 1-4 at the rim. 

The Nuggets finished with just 40 points in the paint, an area where they've understandably struggled without Nikola Jokic's overall brilliance and the size, rebounding, and screen setting of Jonas Valanciunas.