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Nikola Jokić Leads Denver Nuggets To First NBA Finals In History, Beating The Lakers

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For the first time in NBA history, the Denver Nuggets are heading to the NBA Finals. While this is a huge disappointment for fans of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, it was by no means a blowout win. In fact, records shattered left and right as Nikola Jokić and the rest of the Colorado team nabbed 113 points against the Lakers’ 111. For example, for 50 years, Wilt Chamberlain held the title of the player with the most triple-doubles in a single playoff. Until Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference Finals, that is, as the Joker gained his eighth triple-double (and counting) in the postseason.

Elsewhere, James reached a career-high 31 points in the first half, as his teammates tried to match the energy and keep the Nuggets at bay. As far as that team, Jamal Murray scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon got 22, resulting in one of his best showings. Overall, it was an incredibly tight game with a lot of make-or-break moments, even if skeptics might think different from the 4-0 series sweep. Considering what was at stake for both teams, the showdown’s conclusion couldn’t have been more fitting- or earned.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Reveals His Thoughts On LeBron’s Lakers Legacy

The Nuggets Beat The Lakers

With that in mind, now fans, commentators, and NBA experts look to the Eastern Conference Finals, where a similar situation is at hand. The Miami Heat are currently up 3-0 against the Boston Celtics as of writing this article, with the play-in team looking to sweep a team with one of the best records in the whole season. It’s been a tense few games, made even more personal when Jimmy Butler of the Heat taunted Celtics players Al Horford and Grant Williams as the Massachusetts team took a loss in Game 3. Still, the series has made for great displays of prowess and determination from both sides.

Meanwhile, the East’s Game 4 will take place on Tuesday (May 23) at 8:30 p.m., and we’ll see how it differs from the West’s endgame. Regardless of who wins, the Denver Nuggets unsurprisingly set themselves up as a true force for the NBA Finals. We’re sure a lot of discourse will follow in the coming days before we get back to more nail-biters in the league’s post-season. For more news and the latest updates on the NBA, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: Nikola Jokic Becomes Highest-Paid Player In League History: Details

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Jamal Murray Goes Off As Denver Nuggets Take 3-0 Lead

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The LA Lakers found themselves in a precarious position after two games of the Western Conference Finals. Despite playing dominantly through the first two rounds of the playoffs, they had seemingly met their match in the Denver Nuggets. Despite keeping both games close, the Nuggets had found a way to maintain their perfect playoff home record.

With the series heading to Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers needed to find a way to close out Game 3. After all, there were just three teams in NBA history to have tied a series after starting 0-3 down. Furthermore, it has been 20 years since that last happened, when the Blazers lost 4-3 to the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs after starting 0-3 down. The Lakers needed to find the win that had eluded them thus far.

Jamal Murray Once Again Leads The Nuggets To Victory

Unlike the first two games of the series, there was no back-and-forth first quarter. The Nuggets raced out to a big lead, and the Lakers found themselves trailing by 12 at the end of the first. However, the Lakers bounced back in the second, making the adjustments that allowed them to cut the Nuggets’ lead to three at the half. The Lakers continued to keep it close through the third, taking another point off the Nuggets’ lead as the teams entered the final quarter. This is where the Lakers had failed to close out in the first two games of the series. Briefly, the Lakers took the lead but it lasted just 22 seconds as the Nuggets began to pull away. The Nuggets moved to series point with a 119-108 victory.

Much like in Game 2, the Nuggets relied on Jamal Murray as the Lakers focused their defensive efforts on Nikola Jokić. Murray led all scorers with 37 points, also adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jokić had 24 points with 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring with 28 points, while LeBron and Austin Reaves both put up 23. But now the Lakers are in a difficult position. As mentioned, no team has successfully won a playoff series after starting 3-0 down. LeBron James, the leader of the Lakers, has been here three times before. At 2-0 down, he is 3-5 in the playoffs. But at 3-0 down? Of course, it’s an 0-3 record for the GOAT. The series continues in LA on Monday.

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Jamal Murray Pushes Denver Nuggets to 2-0 WCF Lead

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For the first time in four matchups, the Denver Nuggets took a series lead against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Despite a late surge by the Lakers, the Nuggets survived thanks to a historic triple-double from Nikola Jokić.

However, the loss only served to make the Lakers hungrier. They had seen how specific adjustments, especially guarding Jokić with Rui Hachimura, had brought them back into the game. Furthermore, LeBron, who is 12-8 in playoff series where he lost the first game, appeared to take the loss personally. Speaking after the Heat’s win over the Celtics, Shaq was confident enough to guarantee a Game 2 win for LA.

Nuggets Edge Another Close Game

The two sides came to play on Thursday night. The Lakers jumped out to a 6-0 start, maintaining the deficit as the Nuggets began to score. Once the Nuggets warmed up, the lead swung back and forth before the first quarter closed at 27-27. Once again, the Lakers got off to a better start, leading by as much as 11 in the second quarter. While the Nuggets were able to close the gap, the visitors still led by five entering halftime. However, just like in Game 1, it was a halftime adjustment that made all the difference. Despite trailing by as much as 13 in the third quarter, the Nuggets entered the final period down just three. The Nuggets slowly began to take over, powered by Jamal Murray’s 23 fourth-quarter points. The Lakers simply didn’t have an answer and watched their lead, and the game, slip away as they lost 108-103.

Jamal Murray was the star of the show, putting up a 37-point double-double but coming in clutch, especially in the fourth. While not his usual high-scoring self, Jokić still posted yet another triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. That makes Jokić the first player in the history of the playoffs to have four consecutive triple-doubles of at least 20 points. However, it was a terrible night for three-point shooting (beyond Murray’s 6-for-14). The teams combined for a dismal 22-for-68 from behind the arc, with the Lakers going just 8-for-30. Part of this includes LeBron’s continuing trend of ice-cold three-shooting in the fourth quarter during these playoffs. The Lakers veteran has now missed 19 consecutive fourth-quarter threes. However, LeBron and Austin Reaves led the Lakers in scoring, both knocking down 22 points. The teams will now head to LA for Sunday’s Game 3.

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Shaq Guarantees Game 2 Win For The Lakers

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The Lakers found themselves unable to overcome the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. This was despite a fourth-quarter surge that nearly derailed a historic game by Nikola Jokić. It allowed the Nuggets to maintain a perfect home record during the playoffs, setting a new NBA record in the process with seven home wins. The Nuggets went 34-7 at home during the regular season. All season long, the Nuggets have been the team to beat in the West. However, the Lakers’ playoff run as a seven-seed has become the biggest threat to the team’s first-ever Finals appearance.

However, there are plenty of reasons for Lakers fans to be hopeful about a Game 2 win. Firstly, LeBron James is 12-8 in playoff series where his team lost Game 1. Secondly, the Lakers’ second-half adjustment against the Nuggets showed that the Nuggets are mortal and can be stopped. Thirdly, Shaq believes in his former team.

Shaq Confident Of Lakers Win

Speaking after the Heat took down Boston in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Shaq was riding high on confidence. “We coming. We coming. We ain’t laying down,” said O’Neal. “Would you like me to shock you now? Say it now? Lakers tomorrow. Guarantee it. Guarantee it!” the former Laker said. It’s a bold prediction as the Lakers prepare to face another tough road game in Denver.

The Lakers have faced the Nuggets three times in the Conference Finals and hold a 3-0 record in those series. In 1985, the Magic Johnson-Byron Scott Lakers dropped Game 2 to the Nuggets in a 4-1 series win. Meanwhile, the 2009 Kobe-Gasol-Carmelo Lakers dropped Games 2 and 4 in a 4-2 series win. Finally, LeBron and AD only gave up Game 3 to the Nuggets in 2020. Furthermore, the Lakers are 3-for-3 on NBA titles when beating the Nuggets in the Conference Finals. However, 2023 is new territory for the team, as they have never trailed the Nuggets in the Conference Finals. Do you agree with Shaq? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your #1 stop for all the latest news about the NBA playoffs.

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Denver Nuggets Survive Lakers Comeback In WCF Game 1

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The Denver Nuggets have reached the Western Conference Finals four times in franchise history prior to 2023. And every time they’ve made it, it’s marked the end of their playoff run that year. The first time was in 1978 when they lost to the Seattle SuperSonics. However, on the other three occasions (1985, 2009, 2020), the Nuggets have lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That meant it was all the more important that Denver won Game 1 against the 2023 Lakers. The Lakers were coming off two giant slaying series, taking down the two-seed Grizzlies and reigning champion Warriors. LeBron, Anthony Davis, and their eclectic supporting cast were hungry and ready to storm back to the NBA Finals.

Jokić Triple-Double Helps Fend Off Lakers

Heading into halftime, the Nuggets were sitting pretty with an 18-point lead. They had been handling the Lakers well on both ends of the court and would cruise to a blowout win if the trend continued. But the Lakers came out of the break with a brand-new look and the now the Nuggets were scrambling for a response. The lead was down to 14 by the end of the third and a run late in the fourth had the Nuggets up by three. But Denver was able to score some late free throws and come away with a 132-126 victory.

Nikola Jokić was once again the savior of the Nuggets. The MVP runner-up had a 34-point triple-double, with 21 rebounds and 14 assists. It made Jokić the first player in playoff history to have 30-point triple-doubles with 70% shooting in back-to-back games. Jamal Murray also had a 30-point game for Denver, adding 31 to the scoreboard. That along with solid performances elsewhere, was enough to erase the 66 points put up by LeBron and AD, including 40 from Davis alone. What ultimately killed the Lakers was leaving the comeback too late. Furthermore, Dennis Schroder, DeAngelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Lonnie Walker combined for just 20 points on 88 total floor minutes. Denver, who went 34-7 at home during the regular season, will look to extend their lead in Game 2 on Thursday.

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Lakers Vs. Nuggets: How To Watch

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Tonight is Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. Overall, this is a rematch of the Western Conference Finals from the 2020 bubble. Although the Lakers won that series, the Nuggets have been more consistent over the past few seasons. Moreover, the Nuggets were the best team in the regular season, which makes them favorites to win this series. Ultimately, Nikola Jokic was an MVP finalist, and he certainly poses a huge threat to the Lakers.

However, the Lakers have come back from a lot of adversity this season. At the All-Star break, they were 13th in the Western Conference. However, with new additions like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and more, the team battled back. Subsequently, they knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as the Golden State Warriors. It has been an incredible run from the Lakers and it could very well define LeBron’s legacy. If he loses this series, it will be expected. But if he wins this series and then wins the title, then he will be seen as better than Jordan.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 1

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against Jamal Murray #27 of and Jeff Green #32 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on December 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Game 1 will not determine the rest of the series. Although, it has the potential to set the tone for this matchup. If the Lakers can steal Game 1, they take home court away from the Nuggets. That said, L.A. comes into this game as 5.5-point underdogs. This is a fair assessment, and we doubt any reasonable Laker fan would actually complain about this.

But how can you watch tonight’s game? Well, that is simple. Game 1 will begin at 8:30 PM Eastern Time. This translates to 5:30 PM Pacific Time. Moreover, the game is going to be live on ESPN. However, if you prefer to stream the game, you can try fubo. Let us know who you have taking this game, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the NBA.

Nuggets Rout Suns To Advance In NBA Playoffs

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Despite historic numbers from Devon Booker, the Suns had always been the underdogs in their playoff series with the Denver Nuggets. Even then, they had been able to keep the series close and had a chance to force a Game 7. That was a feat in itself, given that the Suns had begun the series in an 0-2 hole. However, they would have to do it without Deandre Ayton. Ayton was ruled out after suffering a rib contusion in Game 5.

As for the Nuggets, they just needed one more win. They had won by 16 in Game 5, once again taking a series lead after allowing the Suns to even things at 2-2. Nikola Jokić had been an absolute beast through the series, but the Nuggets were finally starting to see his supporting cast shine. Furthermore, they had finally found a way to shut down Booker and Durant. With the pair contained, the Suns struggled. All Denver had to do was do it again.

Nuggets Win by 25

The Nuggets’ starters were key in Game 6. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combined for 79 points, with each putting up at least 20. Jokić notched yet another triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Additionally, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Suns by 12 and shot 93.5% (29-for-31) from the free-throw line. Neither team crowded the paint offensively but the Suns were held to just two offensive rebounds the entire game. It’s the 19th time in NBA playoff history that a team has been held to two or fewer offensive rebounds.

There was very little the Suns could do to stop Denver. Booker managed just 12 points as he was incessantly swarmed by the Nuggets’ backcourt. Durant also struggled, putting 23. With no Deandre Ayton, the Suns suffered as their stars slumped. However, veteran Cameron Payne was a lone bright spot in the 125-100 defeat. Payne put 31 points to lead the team in scoring. But it simply wasn’t enough. The Suns were outplayed and will now head into the offseason. The Nuggets progress to the Conference Finals for the fifth time in franchise history. They will face either the Lakers or the Warriors. The Nuggets have faced the Lakers in three of their previous four trips to the Conference Finals.

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Nuggets Edge Suns To Set Up Elimination Game

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After starting the series 0-2, the Phoenix Suns rallied behind a historic Devon Booker to tie their Conference Semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. It’s a powerful statement on the tenacity and talent on the Phoenix roster.

Furthermore, Game 4 was one to remember. Despite Nikola Jokic scoring 53 for the Nuggets, the Suns were able to come out on top. Booker and Durant both scored 36 as the Suns won out 129-124. However, the game will likely be best remembered for Jokic’s technical foul after elbowing Suns’ owner Mat Ishiba in the face. Regardless of why the game is remembered, the result set up an all-to-play for Game 5 in Denver.

Nuggets Ease Past Suns

Finally, it appears as though the Nuggets have figured out to guard Booker and Durant. While the pair combined for 54 points, neither was able to break 30 points individually. It’s the first time that neither one of them scored at least 30 since Game 1 of the first round. The Nuggets were also able to lock up the rest of the Suns’ shooting threats. The other only other Phoenix player to hit double-digit points was Deandre Ayton, who scored 14. Starters Josh Okogie and Cameron Payne combined for just eight points. However, with Okogie playing just eight minutes and bench players T.J. Warren and Torrey Craig playing a combined 19, the Suns spent most of the game without a small forward on the court.

The Nuggets had a much better day offensively. Jokic led all scorers with 29 points, while Bruce Brown put up 25 from the bench. Overall, four of the Nuggets starters reached double digits, with three dropping at least 19 points each. While neither team was elite from three-point range, the Nuggets held the advantage there. Both teams attempted 27 threes, with the Suns hitting nine and the Nuggets sinking 13. While the total rebound advantage for the Nuggets was +8, that also included a +6 advantage on defensive rebounds. While the Suns have bounced back in the series multiple times already, their cushion is gone. If they can’t force a Game 7, the Nuggets move on.

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