The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James‘ standout 30-point performance, kept their NBA playoff hopes alive by overcoming the Denver Nuggets 119-108 in Game 4 on Saturday night.
“Well, the only opportunity for us is just to play the next game,” James said. “And we’ve given ourselves another life. We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us.”
This victory marks the Lakers’ first win over the Nuggets since December 2022, ending an 11-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions.
Anthony Davis was a key contributor, amassing 25 points and 23 rebounds, matching his career playoff high in rebounds. His efforts, combined with D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves each scoring 21 points, fueled the Lakers’ pivotal win.
“It’s tough to get swept,” Davis said. “Nobody wants that feeling, especially going to the summer. You’ve got to live with that feeling for the rest of the summer. So we didn’t really talk about it. We know what’s at stake. Nobody wants that feeling in your mouth for the rest of the summer. The way we played tonight is the way we have to play the rest of the series.”
“We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us,” James said postgame, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming Game 5 in Denver. The Lakers entered the game facing elimination but responded with a vigor reflective of a team that entered the postseason on a high note, with 12 wins in their last 15 games.
Despite the high stakes, the Lakers maintained composure. They established a 19-point lead late in the game, which the Nuggets managed to cut down to seven points. However, clutch plays from Reaves, including a timely jumper and crucial free throws, secured the Lakers’ win.
The Nuggets, driven by Nikola Jokic’s impressive 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, attempted a comeback but fell short. Jokic acknowledged the need for a stronger start but remained focused on finishing strong.
“Of course we want to (start faster), but I learned in horse racing, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Jokic said. “We didn’t finish today really well, so hopefully we can do a better job. But yes, we want to be up and control the game, but it seems like that didn’t happen to us.”
In a candid reflection on his team’s performance, Jokic acknowledged the challenges they faced on the court, noting the Lakers’ aggressive play that led to numerous open layups and dominant inside scoring. Despite both teams struggling with shooting at times, Jokic felt this impacted the Nuggets’ defensive efforts significantly.
“They were really pushing the pace,” Jokic said. “They had open layups. They were destroying us in the paint. We couldn’t make a shot. They couldn’t make a shot either (at times), but it seems like that affected our defense a lot. That’s a great team.”
Denver’s slow starts in the series continued to be a concern, especially as they struggled with defensive intensity. Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed frustration with his team’s defense, particularly in the paint where the Lakers scored a staggering 72 points.
“The paint (defense) was a joke,” Malone remarked, highlighting a repeated issue throughout the game.
While the Nuggets faced challenges, the Lakers showcased resilience. Davis highlighted the team’s determination, “It’s tough to get swept. Nobody wants that feeling, especially going to the summer.”
The Lakers’ strategy focused heavily on interior play, racking up 44 points in the paint in the first half alone and maintaining control throughout the game.
Their effort sets the stage for a high-stakes Game 5, with both teams understanding the implications of every moment left in this series.
“Monday’s game is the most important game of the season for us, and we understand that and we know that, so it’s that stage where you lose, you’re done,” James said. “You win and you keep going.”
More must-reads: