Lakers Win Game 4, Force Decisive Game 5
Five Key Takeaways from the Lakers' 119-108 Victory
Los Angeles, CA - April 28, 2024 - 7:30 AM PT: The Los Angeles Lakers kept their season alive with a crucial 119-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinals series on Saturday night.
Here are five key takeaways from the Lakers' win:
1. Star-Studded Performance
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 24 points, with Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D'Angelo Russell all contributing 20 or more points each. The Lakers' balanced scoring attack made it difficult for the Nuggets to focus their defensive efforts on any one player.
2. Bench Production
Coach Darvin Ham made a strategic move by bringing Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt off the bench. The duo provided a much-needed spark off the bench, with Russell scoring 20 points and Vanderbilt grabbing 10 rebounds.
3. Defensive Adjustment
The Lakers tightened up their defense in the second half, limiting the Nuggets to just 42 points. They were particularly effective in shutting down Nikola Jokic, who only had 12 points in the second half after scoring 24 in the first.
4. Jokic's Frustration
Late in the fourth quarter, Jokic grew visibly frustrated with the Lakers' defensive pressure. He was caught on camera shouting at his teammates after a turnover that led to a Lakers fast break.
5. LeBron's Relief
After the game, LeBron James expressed his gratitude for the win, saying, "We were granted another life tonight. We're one game away from going home, but we're not going to give up." The Lakers now have a chance to force a Game 6 back in Los Angeles if they can win Game 5 in Denver.
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