3 reasons Lakers have hope heading into Game 5 vs. Nuggets

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers staved off elimination from the 2024 NBA Playoffs while conquering a key psychological hurdle with their Game 4 win over Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night.

The Lakers built a double-digit first-half lead for the fourth time this series. They led Denver at the break for the eighth time in the last 12 meetings. The Nuggets had won the previous 11.

On Saturday, facing the prospect of being swept by the same team in back-to-back years on their home court, the Lakers didn’t let go of the rope. When Michael Porter Jr.’s 3-pointer cut the margin to seven with 3:41 in the third quarter, the Lakers responded with a crisp offensive set that resulted in a Gabe Vincent triple.

The Lakers were -2 in the third quarter — seismic progress! — allowing them to maintain their momentum heading into the final period. They finished behind 14 fourth-quarter LeBron points and utter dominance from Anthony Davis on the glass (23 rebounds). D’Angelo Russell (21 points) stepped up.

“We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us,” said LeBron. “They’re going to make adjustments. They’re a great team. They’re super well-coached. We have to be able to counter their attack, but also come in with the same mindset.”

Before talking 3-0 comebacks, the Lakers face the immense challenge of securing Game 5 at what will be a deafening Pepsi Center. But LeBron, AD, and the Lakers should feel confident, and not just because they’ll be playing with house money.

Why Lakers can win Game 5 vs. Nuggets

3. They’ve beaten these guys

The Lakers now know they can beat the Nuggets. They’re still 1-11 over their past 12 matchups — with the bulk of those games following the same script, featuring the Nuggets prevailing in crunchtime — but at least the Lakers have tasted victory.

The narratives, for now, are squashed. The talking points, shifted. This is no logner about the Lakers’ inability to topple the champs — the longest losing streak against one opponent of LeBron’s career — and how much space the Joker is taking up in their heads.

It’s just basketball now. And on the court, the Lakers have led for a staggering 136 of 192 minutes (71%) in the series.

2. Limiting Jamal Murray

Murray’s Game 2 buzzer-beater is the highlight of the playoffs and capped a brilliant two-man closing effort between him and Jokic.

For the most part, though, the Lakers — specifically the combination of hard-working Reaves and Vincent, with a little Spencer Dinwiddie — have adequately handled Murray.

The slithery guard has shot under 40% from the field in all four games. (By contrast, the Lakers — especially Russell and Rui Hachimura — must improve their chasing/tracking/contesting on Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.)

Note: Murray is listed as questionable for Game 5 with a calf injury.

Anthony Davis has arguably been the best player in the NBA Playoffs. He’s more or less played Nikola Jokic to a standstill. I expect both trends to continue into Game 5. Can LeBron outproduce Murray?