In an impressive performance, Jamal Murray led the way for the Denver Nuggets with 37 points, while Nikola Jokic contributed 24 points and eight assists. Their outstanding performances helped the Nuggets secure a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals, as they emerged victorious with a 119-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, facing his former team, stepped up in the second half and scored 12 of his 17 points to support the top-seeded Nuggets. This marks a significant achievement for the Nuggets, who, in their 47-year history in the league, have never been this close to reaching the NBA Finals.
Despite surrendering a substantial early lead in Game 3, the Nuggets displayed resilience and made a decisive 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. This run effectively ended the Lakers’ nine-game winning streak at home, dating back to March 26, including seven consecutive victories since the regular season concluded.
It is worth noting that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series in NBA history. The upcoming Game 4, scheduled for Monday night in Los Angeles, poses a critical opportunity for the Lakers to turn the tide.
Anthony Davis had a strong performance for the seventh-seeded Lakers, recording 28 points and 18 rebounds. However, the Lakers, who had not suffered three consecutive losses since early February, find themselves struggling against the dominant Nuggets. The Nuggets have impressively won their last five playoff games.
LeBron James also contributed with 23 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds for the Lakers. After a slow start from beyond the arc in the series, James connected on three 3-pointers in this game. Austin Reaves provided support with 23 points and seven rebounds, but only Rui Hachimura managed to reach double figures in scoring with 13 points.
Nikola Jokic’s streak of four consecutive triple-doubles came to an end in a relatively quiet game for the two-time MVP. However, Murray showcased his scoring prowess once again, delivering 17 points in a dynamic first quarter, building upon his 23-point fourth-quarter performance in the previous game. By halftime of Game 3, Murray had already amassed an impressive 30 points.
Bruce Brown played a crucial role for the Nuggets, contributing 15 points and hitting a pivotal 3-pointer late in the game. Jokic sealed the victory with a 3-pointer with 3:17 remaining on the clock.
The Lakers’ passionate fans turned out in large numbers, supporting the 17-time champion franchise in their first home conference finals games since 2010, the year of their most recent championship. Despite their fervent efforts, the Lakers could not overcome the Nuggets’ dominance. LeBron James, who had already been dealing with a sore right foot, played 43 minutes after spraining his left ankle in Game 2.
The Nuggets’ trip to Los Angeles did not hinder Jamal Murray’s exceptional performance. After his impressive showing in Game 2, Murray carried his momentum into Game 3. The Canadian guard made his first five shots and scored 17 points in the first quarter, even as Jokic failed to score for the second consecutive quarter.
Murray continued his remarkable performance, connecting on his fourth 3-pointer of the night, bringing his field goal tally to 11 of 13 for 26 points in the second quarter. Despite the efforts of Reaves and Davis, who combined for 15 points in the second quarter alone, the Lakers were unable to keep pace with Murray’s remarkable scoring spree.
Although Hachimura’s 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter briefly gave the Lakers their first lead since the opening minutes, the Nuggets swiftly regained
control with a strong rally. Bruce Brown’s timely 3-pointer with 7:02 remaining ignited the Nuggets’ resurgence, and he further added insult to injury by taunting the Lakers’ bench with their own “Freeze” 3-point celebration.
On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell had another disappointing outing for the Lakers, managing only three points on a 1-of-8 shooting performance in just 20 minutes of play. Russell, who was the Lakers’ marquee addition during the trade deadline, has struggled throughout the three-game series, accumulating a mere 21 points.
The Nuggets’ victory not only showcases their offensive firepower, led by the dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, but also their resilience and ability to seize control when it matters most. They have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference finals, leaving the Lakers in a precarious position.
As the series heads into Game 4, the Lakers find themselves on the brink of elimination. Their hopes of staging a historic comeback to overcome a 3-0 series deficit are slim, considering no team has ever achieved such a feat in NBA history. However, with LeBron James leading the charge and a roster that boasts talent and experience, the Lakers will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to extend their playoff run.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, are on the cusp of a significant milestone in their franchise history. With a 3-0 lead, they are tantalizingly close to reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in their 47-year existence. Their impressive playoff run, coupled with the exceptional performances of Murray and Jokic, has instilled a sense of excitement and belief within the Nuggets’ organization and their fanbase.
As the Western Conference finals continue to unfold, all eyes will be on Game 4 in Los Angeles. Will the Nuggets complete the sweep and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals, or will the Lakers summon their championship pedigree and extend the series? The answers lie on the court, where the drama and intensity of playoff basketball will undoubtedly take center stage.
