In Los Angeles, the Denver Nuggets, armed with seasoned veterans and a championship pedigree, continue to prove formidable in the NBA arena. Their latest victim: LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who find themselves on the brink of an early postseason exit after Denver extended its dominance over them to 11 consecutive games.
Aaron Gordon delivered a standout performance, notching a playoff career-high 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in the Nuggets’ 112-105 triumph in Game 3. With Jamal Murray’s 22 points bolstering their efforts, the defending champions showcased their prowess once again, rallying from a double-digit deficit for the third straight game.
Despite the commanding lead, the Nuggets acknowledged the challenge posed by the Lakers. “Every game is tougher and tougher,” remarked Jokic, acknowledging the resilience of their opponents. Michael Porter Jr. echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty of beating the Lakers. Nevertheless, the Nuggets relish their victories, with Porter emphasizing the team’s focus on winning.
As Game 4 looms, the Lakers find themselves in a dire situation, trailing 0-3 in the series. While Anthony Davis and LeBron James displayed commendable performances, their efforts were not enough to overcome Denver’s dominance. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the Nuggets’ championship pedigree, while Davis highlighted the Lakers’ need for collective effort.
The Lakers’ struggles were evident, with a lackluster performance from D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura compounding their woes. Denver capitalized on these shortcomings, building a substantial lead in the second half and maintaining control until the final buzzer.
As Lakers fans departed the arena, a vocal minority voiced their frustration, chanting for changes within the team. With Game 4 looming large, the Lakers face an uphill battle to keep their postseason hopes alive, while the Nuggets remain poised to continue their playoff success.
