Denver Nuggets Advance to NBA Finals with 113-111 Game 4 Victory over Los Angeles Lakers

Nuggets Clinch First NBA Finals Trip Since 2023

Los Angeles With 47-35 Record and Denver With 57-25 Split Series 2-0

The Denver Nuggets have punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2023, after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 in a thrilling Game 4 on Saturday night. The Nuggets, who had a 2-0 lead coming into the game, were led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who finished with a game-high 28 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The Lakers, who were the eighth seed in the Western Conference, were led by LeBron James, who had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. However, it wasn't enough to prevent the Lakers from losing their third straight game in the series.

The Nuggets will now face the Eastern Conference champion in the NBA Finals, which begin on June 1. The Lakers will have the summer to regroup and prepare for next season.

Box Score

Team	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Denver Nuggets	830	.474	.357	.786	77	133	116	193	.773	25	50	125	36	10	8	42	28	389
Los Angeles Lakers	828	.429	.329	.739	69	140	100	182	.758	27	45	121	33	8	7	47	24	374

Play-by-Play

The Nuggets started the game strong, taking an early 10-point lead. However, the Lakers fought back to tie the game at 25 at the end of the first quarter. The Nuggets regained the lead in the second quarter, and they went into halftime up 55-49.

The Lakers came out strong in the third quarter, and they took a 6-point lead. However, the Nuggets fought back to tie the game at 81 at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, and the game was tied with just seconds remaining.

With the game on the line, Jokic hit a jumper to give the Nuggets a 113-111 lead. The Lakers had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but a shot by James was off the mark. The Nuggets held on to win the game and clinch their berth in the NBA Finals.