Nuggets Defeat Lakers in Game 4, 113-111, Advance to Finals
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 113-111, in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
Denver swept this series, 4-0. They will play the winner of the Boston-Miami series in the NBA Finals. That series will start on June 1. This is the first time Denver has beaten LA in the postseason, losing the first seven series matchups. This is also the Nuggets first trip to the NBA Finals in their franchise history.
While the Lakers held the lead for the opening 30 minutes of this game, the Nuggets completed their sweep thanks to a 36-16 third quarter. They never relinquished the lead after regaining it in the third quarter but never led by more than seven points over the closing 18 minutes. Los Angeles had two chances to tie in the final 26 seconds but missed both of those shots. The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 46 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Los Angeles, 25-20.
The Nuggets (4-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Jamal Murray had 25 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Michael Porter Jr provided 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers (0-4) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Anthony Davis tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Austin Reaves totaled 17 points, two rebounds and three assists. Dennis Schroder generated 13 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Denver swept this series, 4-0. They will play the winner of the Boston-Miami series in the NBA Finals. That series will start on June 1. This is the first time Denver has beaten LA in the postseason, losing the first seven series matchups. This is also the Nuggets first trip to the NBA Finals in their franchise history.
While the Lakers held the lead for the opening 30 minutes of this game, the Nuggets completed their sweep thanks to a 36-16 third quarter. They never relinquished the lead after regaining it in the third quarter but never led by more than seven points over the closing 18 minutes. Los Angeles had two chances to tie in the final 26 seconds but missed both of those shots. The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 46 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Los Angeles, 25-20.
The Nuggets (4-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Jamal Murray had 25 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Michael Porter Jr provided 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers (0-4) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Anthony Davis tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Austin Reaves totaled 17 points, two rebounds and three assists. Dennis Schroder generated 13 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals.