The Los Angeles Lakers found the juice to play a full 48-minute game on Saturday night in Los Angeles, and in the process defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-108 in Game 4 of the teams’ Western Conference first round series. The Lakers now trail 3-1.
It was the first victory for the Lakers against the Nuggets since Dec. 16 of 2022. Both clubs will meet on Monday night in Denver for Game 5 at 10 p.m.
Anthony Davis continued his outstanding play this postseason with a dominant 25-point, 23-rebound, 6-assist effort. Davis, who shot 11-for-17 in the game, is leading all players in points and rebounds thus far in the playoffs. He is averaging 30.5 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 62.2 percent shooting, per Stat Muse on X.
Davis continues to be an issue for the Nuggets, with a quickness advantage on Jokic and length and wingspan advantages on Gordon. Davis’ energy on the glass is and has been impressive throughout his entire career and has been on display this series.
LeBron James was also great in Game 4, hitting on 14-of-23 shots and scoring 30 points. Attempting just two three-point shots all game, he did most of his damage on jump shots and on the block against Jamal Murray, particularly on switches where he can see over Murray or back him down. James asserting himself down low and attacking was critical in allowing the Lakers to maintain their lead, which they did not relinquish all game. In fact, the Lakers have led for 129.06 minutes in the series to the Nuggets’ 41.53.
The Lakers were also able to get big shots to keep the Nuggets at bay. D’Angelo Russell got back on track after not scoring at all in Game 3. Saturday night, he scored 21 points and hit four of his eight three-point attempts, including one that could have been a four-point play with 5:58 remaining that put the Lakers up 106-87. Taurean Prince, who scored 9 points in 29 minutes, made his only three at a crucial juncture down the stretch, and Rui Hachimura played good minutes where he was scoring. He finished with 9 points on 4-for-8 shooting. Austin Reaves, despite making just one out of his six three-point attempts, finished with 21 points.
For the Nuggets, Jokic’s 33/14/14 effort led, while Michael Porter Jr. put up 27 points and 11 rebounds. Most telling though was the off night from Murray. The guard had just 22 points on 9-for-23 shooting and did not connect on any of his four attempts from downtown. Gordon also was not his usual active self, finishing with just three rebounds.
The Lakers shot 52.2 percent to the Nuggets’ 44.8, and finished with a 46-40 rebounding advantage.
Despite not leading all game, the Nuggets made it interesting late, cutting the deficit to eight on a Murray drive with 1:47 remaining, the last points in a 16-5 Nugget run. James, however, stopped the run at the other end with a driving layup that forced a timeout.
The Lakers played with an energy for the full 48 minutes that they had not shown over the course of the first three games. They were able to maintain their focus, get quality looks for the most part, and get stops when needed.
Monday night back in Denver presents a different challenge with the Nuggets’ raucous home crowd and altitude working to their advantage. All of it sets up for what should be a competitive game come Monday night.
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