Nuggets One Win Away from Sweeping Lakers for Second Consecutive Year
The Denver Nuggets are on the brink of sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series, leading 3-0 after another resilient win. In their latest game, the Nuggets overcame a halftime deficit to clinch a 112…
The Denver Nuggets are on the brink of sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series, leading 3-0 after another resilient win. In their latest game, the Nuggets overcame a halftime deficit to clinch a 112-105 victory, showcasing their ability to finish strong. This potential sweep could mark back-to-back years where Denver has eliminated Los Angeles from the playoffs in such a fashion.
Nikola Jokic led the charge for the Nuggets with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, supported strongly by Aaron Gordon's 29 points and 15 rebounds, and Jamal Murray's 22 points. Michael Porter Jr. also contributed significantly with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Denver's comeback ability was highlighted as they turned a 53-49 halftime deficit into a double-digit lead early in the third quarter, eventually building up to a 15-point advantage.
The Nuggets have now defeated the Lakers in 11 straight games, underscoring their dominance in this rivalry. According to Denver's star player Jokic, the repeated victories don't make the games any easier. "It's really hard to play against the same team over and over again," Jokic remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and commitment to their game plan.
On the Lakers' side, despite strong performances from Anthony Davis, who scored 33 points with 15 rebounds, and LeBron James, who added 26 points and nine assists, the team struggled to overcome Denver's third-quarter surge. Austin Reaves contributed 22 points, but D'Angelo Russell's lack of scoring, with zero points on 0 of 7 shooting, was noted by Lakers coach Darvin Ham as a significant shortfall.
With history against them—no NBA team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit in 151 playoff series attempts—the Lakers are focusing on taking the series one game at a time. "You play until the wheels fall off," said LeBron James, emphasizing the need to focus on the immediate challenge rather than the daunting historical statistics.
The next game could either extend the Lakers' season or end it with a sweep, as the Nuggets look to continue their playoff success and advance towards another championship bid.
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