Aaron Gordon showcased his prowess with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, propelling the Denver Nuggets to the brink of the second round with a hard-fought 112-105 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of their intense first-round series on Thursday evening.
Jamal Murray chipped in with 22 points as the reigning NBA champions, the Nuggets, asserted their dominance, securing their 11th consecutive victory over LeBron James and the Lakers in resounding fashion.
Adding to Denver’s offensive arsenal, Michael Porter Jr. notched 20 points as the Nuggets seized control in the third quarter and comfortably maintained their lead, securing their fifth consecutive road victory over the Lakers, building on last season’s impressive sweep in the Western Conference finals.
With Game 4 slated for Saturday night in Los Angeles, the Lakers find themselves in an unenviable position, trailing 0-3 in the series. Historically, no NBA team has ever staged a comeback from such a deficit in playoff history.
Despite a valiant effort from Anthony Davis, who delivered 33 points and 15 rebounds, and LeBron James, who contributed 26 points and nine assists, the Lakers succumbed to their seventh consecutive postseason defeat to the Nuggets spanning the past two years, dating back to December 16, 2022.
While Austin Reaves’ commendable 22-point performance provided a glimmer of hope for the Lakers, the Nuggets’ formidable lineup continues to pose a significant challenge, reminiscent of their formidable presence in last year’s conference finals.
As the Lakers strive to regroup, questions arise about their offensive efficiency, particularly their struggles from beyond the arc, highlighted by a dismal performance, missing 15 of their first 16 three-point attempts in Game 3.
In contrast, Gordon’s standout performance, coupled with Jokic’s near triple-double, underscored Denver’s offensive prowess, amplifying the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities.
While the Lakers’ faithful expressed their discontent with chants directed at coach Darvin Ham, the team’s injury woes compounded their woes, with key players such as Jarred Vanderbilt sidelined, further diminishing their chances of a comeback.
As the series progresses, the Nuggets’ resilience and depth continue to pose formidable challenges for the Lakers, leaving them on the brink of elimination and James’ remarkable 21st NBA season in jeopardy.
