The Denver Nuggets moved one win away from the semifinals of the Western Conference playoffs after winning Game 3 of their series with the LA Lakers. After sweeping the first two games in front of their home crowd, the champions rallied from double-digit deficits again tonight, this time in Los Angeles, to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
LeBron James and company trailed by 12 points shortly after the start of the second half, but the Nuggets picked up the pace and 15 minutes later already led by 12. Until the end, the Denver players did not leave any chance for the opponent to think about getting back into the game.
Four guest players scored 20 or more points, with Aaron Gordon leading the way with 29 points and 15 rebounds, and Nikola Jokic with 24 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists. Jamal Murray added 22 points and 9 assists, and Michael Porter finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. For the Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves combined for 81 points, but the other five participants in the game scored a combined 24 points and D'Angelo Russell finished without a single point.
Curiously, both teams didn't have a day from the three, with the Lakers shooting 5 of 27 while the Nuggets finished 5/28.
The fourth game of the series is in Los Angeles on Sunday at 3:30 am Bulgarian time.
Orlando Magic - Cleveland Cavaliers 121:83 (1-2 in the series)
Philadelphia 76ers - New York Knicks 125:114 (1-2). /BGNES
