5 Key Points from Game 3 as Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon Shine for the Nuggets Against the Lakers

Aaron Gordon Delivers a Career Playoff Performance as Denver Shows Its Best to Push L.A. Toward Elimination.

Aaron Gordon Shines with 29 Points and 15 Rebounds in Game 3, Propelling the Nuggets Closer to the Semifinals.

In Los Angeles, facing the possibility of a second consecutive sweep by the Nuggets, the Lakers find themselves in a humbling position. Considering the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it's almost unfathomable.

Yet, for the second year in a row, the Nuggets have the Lakers on the ropes. Despite the Lakers holding double-digit leads in the first three games, they couldn't maintain their advantage, ultimately falling to a cruel tease each time. Denver's 112-105 victory in Game 3 marked their 11th consecutive win against the Lakers, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead in the first-round series.

Here are five key takeaways from Game 3:

1. Lakers Fatigue Sets In:

The Lakers came out swinging in Game 3, with Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, and LeBron James all throwing down dunks, displaying a fiery and aggressive start. However, as the game progressed, their energy waned, evident in their slumped posture and costly mistakes like LeBron's dribble off his knee and D'Angelo Russell's missed opportunities, which drew jeers from the crowd. The team's performance deteriorated, marked by poor shooting, an inability to maintain their lead, and a lack of inspiration for the home fans. It's tempting to attribute this collapse to the weight of the Lakers' troubled history against the Nuggets, with past defeats possibly eroding their confidence. Despite competitive playoff games leading up to this one, the Lakers seemed overwhelmed this time, especially evident by the end of the third quarter. Key players like Russell struggled, going scoreless, while even Davis, with a strong showing of 33 points, faltered in the crucial fourth quarter. Additionally, the Lakers' defense crumbled under pressure, indicating an outmatched and overwhelmed team. LeBron acknowledged the team's loss of focus, noting a decline in attention to detail compared to the first half. It's clear that mentally, the Lakers were not in top form, succumbing to the pressure of the moment and the weight of their past struggles. 2. The Lakers attempted to lure Jokic into foul trouble:

And indeed, they succeeded. Davis managed to draw two quick fouls on Jokic within the first five minutes of the game, and by early in the third quarter, Jokic had accumulated three fouls. However, this strategy yielded a different outcome for the Lakers. They failed to capitalize on the situation when Jokic became more passive to avoid further fouls or was temporarily sidelined. Historically, the Nuggets had been vulnerable whenever Jokic wasn't on the court, making it a sensible tactic for Davis to assertively target him early on. But Denver falters. Players like Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon stepped up to fill the void. Despite the Lakers holding a 12-point lead early in the second quarter, it gradually slipped away. Even when Jokic took a brief rest during the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, the Nuggets' lead continued to expand. Nuggets coach Michael Malone attributed this resilience to the team's championship experience, noting, "There's a confidence that comes with being a champion. Every time we get down, we don't panic, stay together, and find a way to get back into the game. Winning a championship has brought that group tremendous confidence.

3. The nuggets prove their resilience when Gordon toughens up:

The Nuggets' winning formula centers around the pick-and-roll synergy between Murray and Jokic, which propelled them to a championship last season. This dynamic duo, comprising a dominant big man and an agile guard, wreaks havoc on any defense. However, there exists another avenue to victory: Gordon's involvement. By asserting himself in the paint, catching lobs and sneaky backdoor passes from Jokic and Gordon, he adds a crucial dimension. In a remarkable display last Thursday, he bewildered the Lakers, who either left him unguarded or failed to box him out. Gordon achieved playoff career highs with 29 points and 15 rebounds—an impressive feat that, if replicated, could elevate Denver to new heights.

"Aaron Gordon's performance was simply phenomenal," remarked Malone.

4. The Nuggets finally showcase their peak performance:

That performance should put the rest of the league on notice. Except for the game's opening 8 minutes, the Nuggets asserted their dominance throughout.

Moreover, they didn't overly rely on Jokic and Murray, as four players contributed 20 points or more. This victory marked Denver's first truly comprehensive win of the series, showcasing contributions from nearly every player who hit the court.

The team displayed championship-caliber chemistry, capitalizing on their familiarity to create scoring opportunities and execute defensively in crucial moments.

Reflecting on their synergy, Gordon noted, "It's like we have a telepathic connection within this group, especially among the starting five."

As for Jokic, who narrowly missed a triple-double?

"He's not just a basketball player; he's a basketball genius," Gordon remarked.

5. The Lakers are teetering on the brink of a lengthy offseason with just one more loss.

Here's the current scenario: The Lakers need to secure four consecutive victories against a team that has bested them 11 times in a row, including four consecutive defeats last summer in the Western Finals and three straight losses in this series.

It's akin to a mission impossible, particularly considering the historical odds stacked against teams trailing 3-0 in a best-of-seven series, where they have never managed to turn the tide, going 0-for-151.

Speculation about which role players will stay or depart in the offseason, and the future of coach Darvin Ham, seems insignificant in comparison to the looming question: What repercussions will losing this series, especially in a sweep, have on LeBron's future and mentality?

Since LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018, the team's narrative has revolved around championships or busts, with one successful title run already under their belt. Despite LeBron's stellar performance this season, he approaches his 40th birthday in December, hinting at an inevitable decline in his abilities.

With a player option for the upcoming season, LeBron is likely to decline it and opt for a two-year extension. However, another intriguing factor emerges the possibility of the Lakers drafting his son, Bronny, perhaps as soon as this June.

For a player who recently found himself in the SoFi Play-In Tournament and facing imminent first-round elimination, does LeBron still harbor the belief that the Lakers can rise to the challenge of defeating a prime Jokic-led team?

The harsh reality dawns that LeBron's dominance may be waning, with a new figure, seemingly fixated on horses, asserting himself as a dominant force in the league.