Author: Monojit Mandal
Score: Nuggets 119 – 108 Lakers
In an unexpected turn of events, Jokic and Murray faced obstacles throughout the game as the Nuggets saw their early lead against the Lakers evaporate in the 4th session of Game 3. Lakers fans were ecstatic as they tried to regain control of the series. However, as they dealt with the setbacks and finally regained control of the game, the Nuggets showed extraordinary determination and calm.
The Nuggets took a big and powerful 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals with a 119-108 victory. Murray scored 37 points and dished out eight assists, while Jokic contributed 24 points and eight assists. The top-ranked Nuggets are now closer than ever to making their first appearance in the NBA Finals in their 47 years of existence. Denver is making its sixth consecutive appearance in the playoffs and is currently one win away from the final round.
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Despite blowing an early 14-point lead, Denver rallied and went on a crucial 13-0 run in the fourth quarter, halting the Lakers’ nine-game home winning streak. The brilliance of the Nuggets’ offense was reinforced by Murray and Jokic, who masterfully executed a pick-and-roll with two men, as recommended by coach Nikola-Jokic. Coach Michael-Malone also praised the effort.
With 28 points and a game-high 18 rebounds, Anthony Davis led the attack for the seventh-placed Lakers. The Lakers, on the other hand, struggled to find more scoring alternatives, with only Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scoring 17 points, including 12 in the second half, against his former club. The Lakers, who hadn’t lost three games in a row since early February, were no match for the Nuggets.
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LeBron James, who had struggled in the previous game, regained his movement and hit three 3-pointers. With 23 points and seven rebounds, Austin Reaves made a significant effort, but had little help from his teammates. With 13 points, Rui Hachimura was the only other Lakers player to reach double figures. The combined effort of the Nuggets surpassed the performance of the Lakers.
Although Jokic’s four-game triple-double streak finally came to an end in a relatively quiet game for the two-time MVP, Murray made up for it with his spectacular effort. Murray’s inspired first quarter, in which he scored 17 points, came against the backdrop of a remarkable 23-point fourth quarter the night before. Murray had already scored 30 points at halftime of Game 3, demonstrating his brilliance in attack.
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Bruce Brown was a big contributor for the Nuggets, scoring 15 points and hitting a 3-pointer at the end of the game. Jokic secured the game with a three-point basket at the 3:17 mark of the fourth quarter, ending the Lakers’ chances of a comeback.
The ardent Lakers fans turned out in force for the team’s first home conference final since 2010. Despite the fervent support, the Lakers were unable to overcome the Nuggets’ control. Injury aside, LeBron James played 43 minutes in a valiant effort to lift his team.
Murray’s excellent form, however, was not affected by the Nuggets’ trip to Los Angeles, as he continued to shine with 17 points in the first quarter and 26 points halfway through the second quarter. Reaves gave the Lakers a much-needed boost in the second quarter, scoring 15 points, handing out three assists and grabbing three rebounds.