After 11 straight defeats against the Nuggets, the Lakers defeated the Indian sign! It was necessary to stay alive, and in the wake of LeBron James (30 points) and Anthony Davis (25 points, 23 rebounds), they won 118-109 to return to 3-1 in the series. This time, the Lakers managed to maintain their lead acquired in the first half until the end. Besides, the Nuggets have never led in the score!
If Jamal Murray, with a superb “circus shot” from the baseline, and Nikola Jokic, with a pass behind the back, put on the show, it was the Lakers who had the best start with LeBron James to cut the passing lines , and grab offensive rebounds on the other side of the court. At his side, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves arrive easily at the circle, and D'Angelo Russell quickly breaks free. Result, the Lakers take control to lead 28-23 after twelve minutes.
The Lakers masters of the paint
Murray loses a ball, LeBron hits from mid-distance… Even if the two teams lack continuity in the game, it benefits the Lakers with Russell who reassures himself a little more at 3-points (33-25). The Nuggets are having trouble finding mismatches, and the Lakers' rotations are much better. Result, Austin Reaves will give the first uppercut. Very easy on the 3-point stepback, he signs a 7-0 to give the Lakers an 11-point lead (52-41). Michael Porter Jr. draws from a long distance, but the Lakers insist with Davis who scores with the foul, and a LeBron who is still just as opportunistic. At the break, the Lakers are in front (61-48), as in the three previous matches…
But this time, they are not going to give in! It was Rui Hachimura who set the tone after returning from the locker room to give them a 15-point lead. In a festival of clumsiness, Davis continues his work, and the Lakers hold on with LeBron James who rewards us with his usual “chasedown block” (70-55). Finally, the series transformed into trench basketball, and Russell did good with his creativity and his skill (75-61). On the Denver side, we are starting to warm up our 3-point wrists with the Jokic-Porter duo, but the Lakers are not cracking. Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince respond from afar to restore some air: 91-80 at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The last word for Austin Reaves
The start of the 4th quarter was marked by a major downturn from both teams. Passes are poorly executed, shots are too short or too long. But the Nuggets do not take advantage of it, and it is LeBron James who gives some breathing room to the Lakers (95-80). The Crypto.com Arena breathes better, and LeBron's accuracy will do the greatest good. The Nuggets don't have their usual push, and they forget LeBron who goes alley-oop behind their back (103-87). The Lakers are holding the right end, and when the Nuggets come back below 10 points (111-103), and it is too late. It is Austin Reaves who manages the “money time” to avoid any robbery, and especially elimination. The Lakers are still alive!
What you must remember
– The Nuggets explode in the paint. “Open house” evening at the Nuggets as the Lakers scored 72 points in the paint! They had already scored 70 in the 3rd inning. Like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers continued to attack the defense, and the Nuggets, often with their arms down, seemed tired.
– One more triple-double. Author of 33 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists, Nikola Jokic signs his 18th career triple-double. In the 3rd quarter with his 3-pointers and his aggressiveness in the final minutes, the Serbian was the only one with Michael Porter Jr. to try to shake his teammates.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
