MX23RW : Friday, December 13 16:23:26| >> :600:123942:123942:

Denver Nuggets sweep Los Angeles Lakers to qualify for NBA Finals

Nuggets sweep Lakers to qualify for NBA Finals
© Reuters
The Denver Nuggets complete a series sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in their history.

The Denver Nuggets completed a series whitewash over the Los Angeles Lakers to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in their history on Monday night.

Leading 3-0 overall heading into Game Four of the Western Conference Finals at the Crypto.com Arena, Michael Malone's team ran out 113-111 winners to confirm a first-ever spot in the NBA Finals.

The individual battle for supremacy between Nikola Jokic and LeBron James lived up to the billing, with the former posting yet another triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

The 28-year-old's triple-double was his all-time high eighth of the 2023 postseason - breaking Wilt Chamberlain's long-standing record of seven from the 1967 playoffs - and James's own historic feats were ultimately in vain.

The 38-year-old came up with an astounding 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists - scoring a personal high 31 points in the first half and becoming the oldest player in NBA history to hit the 40-mark in a playoff game.

However, James's efforts were not enough as the Lakers were swept by the Nuggets, who were crowned Conference champions for the first time in their 47-year history.

Either the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics will face the Nuggets in the NBA Finals, with the former holding a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals and aiming to complete their own series sweep on Tuesday evening.

ID:514471:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2231:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Click here for more stories about Michael Malone

Click here for more stories about Denver Nuggets

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Harrison Barnes in action for the Sacramento Kings on November 30, 2019
Read Next:
NBA roundup: Kings stage comeback win over Nuggets
>