NBA

• Nuggets 119, Lakers 108
  • The Nuggets are simply better than the Lakers. Despite consistently being awarded fewer free throw attempts than Los Angeles, Denver is now one win away from where it should be — the NBA Finals. Nikola Jokic went for 24 points, six rebounds, and eight assists last night, but his performance was fairly ordinary. The two-time MVP was lifted by the on and off Jamal Murray, who scored 37 points. Winning Game 4 on Monday will be difficult, but at worst, the Nuggets should secure a berth in the Finals by the end of Game 5.
  • Anthony Davis certainly came to play yesterday, recording 28 points and 18 rebounds, but that’s basically the minimum required of Davis for the Lakers to defeat Denver. LeBron James obviously isn’t anywhere close to the same guy he was five or so years ago, but he still managed to drop 23 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. The main problem for the Lakers in this game was their secondary players — outside of Austin Reaves, getting thoroughly outplayed by those of the Nuggets. In particular, it may be time for Darvin Ham to pull the plug on D’Angelo Russell. The point guard was abysmal in this contest, shooting just 1-8 with three turnovers in 20 minutes. I think Los Angeles will show the pride and resolve to grab Game 4, but still, Nuggets in five.