Denver has been in the league for 47 years, but has yet to make the Finals. It’s really close now. “Our team can do a lot, but the main thing is belief. That’s a very important quality. We all believe that we can succeed,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.
However, Lakers star LeBron James is also keeping his faith, as he and his teammates want to be the first team in history to turn the series around from 0:3. “I don’t know what’s going through the guys’ heads, but I can say for myself that I believe we have it. Now we have to prepare for the next game and show what we have,” said the four-time NBA champion.
On Saturday, the Lakers were able to get back into the game after being down by 14 points. In the first half, they had a big problem defending Murray, who put up 30 points at the break. After the break, the home team slowed it down and played an even game with Denver. They were still in the lead seven minutes before the end, but then the guests hit three three-pointers in a row and turned the game in their favor with a 13-0 streak.
An important role was played by Serbian pivot Nikola Jokic, who was otherwise solidly defended by the Lakers, but scored 15 of his 24 points in the crucial fourth quarter. In the home team, Anthony Davis had 28 points and 18 rebounds, James added 23 points as well as Austin Reaves.
| NBA Western Conference Finals Playoffs – Game 3: |
|---|
| LA Lakers – Denver 108:119 (stav series 0:3). |
