Lakers put Nuggets in familiar 3-1 hole with Game 4 win

The Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-1 lead on the Denver Nuggets in Game 4.

Taking a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from the NBA Finals. However, the Denver Nuggets won’t be deterred facing a deficit they’ve faced before, against a team they believe they should be on level ground with after Game 4.

Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals on 10-of-15 shooting, while LeBron James chipped in 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists despite having an off shooting night (7-for-18).

The Nuggets came up just short despite 32 points and 8 assists from Jamal Murray. Jerami Grant added 17, while Nikola Jokic had a relatively quiet night with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

What else did you miss from Game 4 between the Nuggets and Lakers?

AD simply could not be stopped in the first quarter, erupting for the Lakers’ first 10 points and 14 total in the first quarter as the Lakers took a 37-30 lead into the second period. LA’s lead was down to five by halftime, with Davis’ 19 points and LeBron’s 14 points leading the charge.

Dwight Howard, who moved into the starting lineup over JaVale McGee for Game 4, had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double at the break, while Denver was led by 16 first-half points and a majestic, Michael Jordan-esque finish from Murray:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1309311328398594048?s=20

Clinging to a one-point lead after the Nuggets opened the fourth quarter with two quick points, the Lakers responded with a 6-0 spurt and were in the process of turning momentum until Davis rolled his ankle on a questionable foul call against Paul Millsap. Luckily, the Brow was able to stay in the game and play through it despite looking hobbled at times.

Between 12 offensive rebounds, a 25-6 advantage in second-chance points and a favorable whistle down the stretch, LA was able to close out Game 4 at the foul line, putting the Nuggets in a 3-1 hole — where they may or may not be perfectly comfortable by now.