Author: Monojit Mandal
Nuggets 113 – 111 Lakers
Nikola-Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a franchise record in a display of extraordinary talent and determination. Jokic led the Nuggets to a 113-111 victory over the Lakers in Game 4 of the Western Conference playoffs, securing his first appearance in the NBA playoffs. He finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.
The first-place Nuggets overcame a historic 31-point first-half effort from LeBron James and a 15-point halftime deficit to record the conference title win after 47 seasons in the NBA, led by Jamal Murray’s 25 points. Jokic’s display of superiority gave him his eighth triple-double of the playoffs, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record set in 1967, with 8 points in a single post-season. Despite foul trouble, the Serbian forward proved his defensive skills and contributed significantly to the Nuggets’ strong defense.
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Jokic’s influence went beyond his statistical achievements. Jokic stayed on court for the full 33 minutes of the match, showing his resilience and determination. When Denver needed a game-changing play, Jokic made it, driving past Anthony Davis and scoring the winning basket with 51 seconds left.
Although James finished the game with 40 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, not even the NBA’s all-time leading scorer could stop the Nuggets from winning their sixth game in a row. James missed two baskets in the final seconds of the game that would have tied the score, with Aaron Gordon getting official credit for blocking his shot at the buzzer.
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With this historic win, the Nuggets already have their sights set on the NBA title, capping off a wonderful season. The Nuggets not only beat the Lakers for the first time in eight playoff meetings, they also completed their first sweep in a post-season series. As a result, the Nuggets will probably have many days off before the playoffs begin.
Unless the Boston Celtics pull off an incredible comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals, the eighth-place Heat will visit the Nuggets on June 1 to kick off the NBA Finals.
The Lakers showed persistence from a seven-point deficit to tie the game with five minutes remaining. However, Jokic’s incredible 3-point shot from 25 feet, a shot he usually executes with great skill for a player of his height, gave the lead back to the Nuggets. Although Davis hit two free throws to tie the game with 1:13 remaining, Jokic’s calmness allowed him to put the Nuggets back in the lead.
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In the final moments of the game, James missed a shot from distance, giving the Nuggets the chance to win. Murray missed a put-back, but James’ shot at the buzzer was denied by Murray and Gordon, who scored 22 points in the Nuggets’ victory.
James’ extraordinary effort in the first quarter, in which he scored 21 points, demonstrated his strength to keep the Lakers competitive in what turned out to be their last game of the 20th NBA season. The Lakers, however, were unable to force a Game 5. Davis, who looked tired, managed to score 10 of his 21 points and 14 rebounds in the fourth quarter.
Basketball fans are eagerly waiting to witness the Nuggets’ first appearance in the NBA Finals, which will begin on June 1. The match promises to be exciting, as the two clubs are competing for their first NBA championship title.