Nuggets Sweep Lakers and Lebron James, Nikola Jokic wins the WCF MVP
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 in Game 4, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history1. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, earning his eighth triple-double of the playoffs by the third quarter and breaking Wilt Chamberlain's 1967 NBA record for triple-doubles in a single postseason23.
Despite a 15-point halftime deficit, the Nuggets overcame LeBron James' 31-point first half and finished the game with a tenacious effort4. Jamal Murray scored 25 points for the Nuggets, and Aaron Gordon scored 22 points56. Jokic played the final 33 minutes of the game, scoring the final points on a layup with 51 seconds to play7.
On the Lakers' side, LeBron James had a standout performance with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, but he missed two tying shots in the final seconds8. The Lakers had erased a seven-point deficit and tied the game with five minutes to play, but they were unable to maintain the momentum and ultimately lost the game9. Anthony Davis contributed with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 17 points1011.
The Nuggets will now play for their first NBA championship, likely against the Miami Heat unless the Boston Celtics make a historical comeback from their 3-0 deficit in the East finals12. This loss for the Lakers marks the end of a season that had seen an incredible turnaround after a poor start, including eliminating the second-seeded Memphis and defending champion Golden State13.
Nikola Jokic was named the Earvin Magic Johnson Western Conference MVP after leading the Denver Nuggets to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in 4 straight games.