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As soon as once more, the Lakers performed the world-champion Nuggets robust. As soon as once more, they fell quick on the finish.
The Lakers fought again from 15 factors right down to tie the sport within the ultimate minutes. It appeared just like the Lakers may full the comeback after Jaxson Hayes, in the course of among the best quarters of his profession, delivered an unbelievable chase down block on Denver’s Peyton Watson.
However similar to within the convention finals final 12 months, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic had been an excessive amount of for the Lakers to beat. Murray had two consecutive buckets to offer Denver the lead, then a double-teamed Nikola Jokic caught Austin Reaves playing for a steal and located Michael Porter Jr. for a wide-open, back-breaking three.
These groups met within the Western Convention Finals final 12 months, which was an unusually shut sweep – the 4 video games had been determined by a mean of six factors every – however nonetheless a sweep. The Lakers have not overwhelmed Denver since Oct. 30, 2022, when LeBron James and Anthony Davis obtained 18 factors every from Russell Westbrook and Lonnie Walker IV.
Thursday, James damage the Lakers down the stretch. Whereas he completed with 25 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, his taking pictures was tough within the ultimate quarter. James shot 2-for-8, contributing only one help and one rebound. He did add 4 factors from the foul line.
Los Angeles did not make any trades on the deadline, so that is the workforce they’re going to have going ahead. They’re good, however because the final six conferences have taught us, not fairly nearly as good on the Nuggets.
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