NBA PLAYOFFS
Are the Lakers eliminated if they lose against the Nuggets in Game 5 today?
The current NBA champions, led by Nikola Jokic, are leading their series against the Lakers. What will happen if Los Angeles lose next game?
The Lakers started their playoff adventure this season intending to get to the NBA finals for the first time since 2020. After qualifying for the postseason via the Play-In Tournament, Darvin Ham’s side knew they had a big challenge ahead of them, as they had to face the current NBA champions and one of the most solid teams, the Denver Nuggets.
As many expected, the Nuggets, big favorites to advance to the next round, are leading the series. Nikola Jokic’s team won the first three games, while the Lakers came out on top in Game 4 last weekend (119-108).
With Denver having a 3-1 lead, the 17-time NBA champions need to win the next game if they want to extend the series and not be eliminated. The Lakers avoided being swept on Saturday, with a home win that broke an 11-match losing streak against Denver.
James and Davis will need to be at their best again
It’s no surprise that the Lakers’ chances of winning the next game and trying to shorten distances with the Nuggets will depend on Lebron James and Anthony Davis’ inspiration.
King James finished last game with 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. He was once again the best of his team, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter on 6-of-8 shooting. Davis went toe-to-toe with Jokic again, with 25 points and 23 rebounds.
Austin Reaves, who finished with 21 points, took an optimistic approach after Game 4, saying Los Angeles could play in front of their fans again if they manage to outmuscle the Nuggets again:
“We get another opportunity to go play one more game, and if we win, come back and play another one and keep moving from there.”
“Obviously wish we won 4-0. Odds aren’t stacked in our favor, but anytime we can keep ourselves floating above water, we have an opportunity to go do something special. We’re ready for the challenge”, he added.
No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. Will the Lakers be the first to accomplish that feat and make history?