The Nuggets overcame every setback and took control like champions. With one more win, they’ll compete for their first rings. Murray scored 37 points, Jokic added 24 points and eight assists, and the Nuggets defeated the Lakers 119-108 on Saturday night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The top-seeded Nuggets, who have never been this close to the NBA Finals in their 47-year history, were led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half. Denver is making its seventh playoff appearance in a row, and the title game is now only one win away. The seventh-seeded Lakers, who hadn’t lost three straight games since early February, were led by Anthony Davis, who had 28 points and 18 rebounds. Los Angeles’ protracted, frantic push since the trade deadline has finally peaked against the Nuggets, who have won five straight playoff games.
Photo Cred: LA Times
After going 0 for 13 in the series, James hit three 3-pointers, and Austin Reaves added 23 points and seven rebounds. However, with 13 points, Rui Hachimura was the only other Lakers player to reach double figures, and the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Nuggets’ balanced effort down the stretch. In NBA history, no club has come back from a 3-0 series disadvantage.