MADRID, 23 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Denver Nuggets will play their first NBA Finals after beating the Los Angeles Lakers (111-113) and winning the Western Conference Final, sweeping their rival with a resounding 4-0 in the series, again driven by another ‘ triple-double’ by Nikola Jokic.
Driven by the encouragement of the Crypto.com Arena and by an intractable LeBron James with 31 points, resisting the inevitable, the Lakers commanded the break with authority (73-58). But the visitors changed face from the third quarter, becoming a steamroller willing to end the series on the fast track and not give the Los Angeles franchise a chance to get hooked on the Final.
Thus, that third period with a 16-36 allowed the match to reach the end even. And that’s when Nikola Jokic shone with another ‘triple-double’ (30+14+13), surpassing Wilt Chamberlain as the player with the most (8) in the same ‘Playoffs’. But he was not alone, since he had the invaluable help of Jamal Murray (25), Aaron Gordon (22) and Michael Porter Jr (15).
That last rush from Denver was decisive, especially because the Lakers did not know how to take advantage of one last possession to take the lead at the end. LeBron James, who finished with 40 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, missed a couple of shots and Anthony Davis’ 21 points and 14 rebounds weren’t enough either. Neither of the two Los Angeles figures could avoid the visiting party, which celebrated their move to their first NBA Finals, after almost 50 years in the competition.
The ‘Joker’ borders on the feat, just one series away from putting on the ring, if he wins in a Final in which he will face off against the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics. Everything seems to be up for Jimmy Butler and company, who this morning could close, also 4-0, the Eastern Final.