LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers might want to defy historical past if they’re to maintain their NBA championship hopes alive.
Behind one other sizzling taking pictures night time from Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets secured a 119-108 victory over the Lakers in LA for a commanding 3-0 lead within the best-of-seven collection.
No group has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit in NBA post-season historical past.
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Murray scored 30 of his game-high 37 factors within the first half to arrange the win that places the Nuggets inside one victory of their first ever journey to the NBA Finals.
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic then overcame a quiet night time with 15 of his 24 factors coming within the fourth quarter to resist any probability of a Lakers comeback.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 factors, whereas James and Austin Reaves added 23 factors apiece.
James is properly conscious of the mountain the Lakers now face, however advised reporters afterwards all they will do is deal with getting a win within the subsequent sport, again at their house at Crypo.com Arena on Tuesday morning (AEST).
“We’ve just got to get one (win). One at a time,” he stated.
“Just focus on game 4 and that’s all you can really think about.
“Obviously this game is over and done with. We had some opportunities but didn’t come through.
“So we’ll just get ready for Monday and we just got to get one. It’s a one-game series for us and every game counts now.”
Asked if the considered making historical past had crossed his thoughts, the 38-year-old James replied: “Of course. That’s the only mindset for me, for sure.”
As typical, the celebs had been out in pressure on the Lakers’ first house sport of those Western Conference Finals, with stalwarts Jack Nicholson and Denzel Washington joined by the likes of Adele and Eddie Murphy courtside.
But Murray was the star of the present, quietening the gang with 17 factors within the first quarter because the Nuggets jumped out to a 32-20 lead on the first break.
The Lakers got here roaring again within the second quarter, opening with a 10-4 run that reduce the Denver result in six factors.
The house aspect saved chipping away and when Reaves drew a foul from Jokic that despatched him to the free-throw line, he tied the sport at 55-55.
The conflict was there for the taking when the Nuggets led 84-82 heading into the ultimate quarter, with James and the Lakers determined to get on the board on this collection.
The Lakers did handle to get their first lead since early within the first quarter courtesy of a Rui Hachimura three-pointer to open the ultimate interval.
But Jokic took over down the stretch, with Denver outscoring LA 26-14 over the ultimate 7:44 to seize a win that leaves the collection all however over.
Source: www.news.com.au
