Despite LeBron James’ staggering 21-point haul in the first quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers are staring down the barrel of being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.
The Lakers are on the wrong side of a 3-0 series deficit and face going home in front of their fans at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Who will win it all? Watch every game of the NBA conference finals and Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
However, James stepped up when his team needed it most in a big first half for the home side.
Tue, 23 May
Tuesday May 23rd
MORE COVERAGE ‘Disgusted and devastated’: NBA contender torched over playoff collapse as trade reality sets in ‘The time has come’: NBA legend calls time on career in emotional announcement ‘Just dumbfounding’: Staggering NBA history looms as host melts down over latest Celtics flop Although he didn’t quite have as big a second quarter as the first, James’ 10 points took him up to 31 points for the first half as the Lakers stole a 73-58 lead at the break. Remarkably, James spent just four seconds off the court in the first half and that came right before the half time interval. The Lakers superstar also had to be separated by teammates and officials when he got into a brief scuffle with Nuggets star Aaron Gordon. James put his forearm into Gordon’s chest and forced him backwards while talking plenty of smack at the same time. The third quarter was a completely different story as the Nuggets silenced the home crowd. Mike Malone’s side erased the 15-point deficit and outscored the Lakers 36-16 thanks to more brilliance from Denver superstar Nikola Jokic. The Serbian also notched his eighth triple-double of the playoffs, eclipsing Wilt Chamberlain’s record of seven which had stood since 1967.
