The Lakers managed to avoid a sweep in Game Four against the Nuggets, marking their first victory over Denver since December 2022. Their 119-108 win at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Nuggets. LeBron James delivered a vintage playoff performance, scoring 30 points on 14-23 shooting, with 14 crucial points in the fourth quarter, leading the Lakers to victory and cutting the Nuggets’ series lead to 3-1.
Anthony Davis showcased efficiency for the Lakers, scoring 25 points on 11-17 shooting while dominating the paint with 23 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell rebounded from a scoreless outing in Game 3, netting 21 points on 8-15 shooting overall and 4-8 from three-point range. Austin Reaves, following his solid 22-point performance in Game 3, contributed 21 points on 7-15 shooting overall in Game 4. This win prevented the Lakers from suffering a second consecutive sweep by the Nuggets, after being swept in the Western Conference Finals last season.
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Nikola Jokic maintained his MVP-level performance for the Nuggets, scoring 33 points on 10-20 shooting, with 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray added 22 points, though he continued to struggle from the field, shooting only 9-23 overall and 0-4 from beyond the arc. Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope both reached double digits with 27 and 14 points, respectively. Aaron Gordon, who scored 29 in the Nuggets’ Game 3 victory, was limited to seven points on 3-7 shooting.
The Lakers replicated their strategy from the previous three games, seizing an early lead and maintaining it throughout Game 4. They led 19-12 with 4:51 remaining in the first quarter and extended their lead to 61-48 by halftime, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk from Davis. Unlike in previous matchups, the Lakers held onto their lead in the third quarter, heading into the final period with a 91-80 advantage.
Despite shooting just 8-26 from three-point range, the Lakers maintained a solid 52.2% overall shooting percentage and converted 15-18 free throws. In contrast, the Nuggets shot only 44.8% overall and received minimal bench support, as the Lakers outscored them in bench points 13-5. Los Angeles dominated the paint, outscoring Denver 72-52 and winning the rebounding battle 46-40.
The series now shifts back to Denver, where the Nuggets aim to secure a Gentleman’s sweep and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 5 is scheduled for Monday at 8 PM MT at Ball Arena, airing on TNT.
