Nuggets are fifth straight NBA champ to falter in quest to repeat but maintain high hopes for future
Denver coach Michael Malone first broached the subject with his team in training camp, reminding them no NBA champion had won back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2018.
Nuggets bounce back with 117-90 blowout of Timberwolves behind 24 points from energized Murray
Jamal Murray rebounded from a rough start to the Western Conference semifinals with 24 points to lead the Denver Nuggets on a 117-90 romp in Game 3 that made the Minnesota Timberwolves the last team in the NBA to lose in this postseason.
Murray scores 32 and hits game-winner in Nuggets' 108-106 series-clinching victory over Lakers
Jamal Murray scored 32 points despite a strained left calf and sank the game-winning shot with 3.6 seconds remaining as the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets again bounced LeBron James from the playoffs with a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5.
Gordon, Jokic lead the Nuggets to the brink of a sweep with a 112-105 win over the Lakers in Game 3
The Denver Nuggets moved to the brink of the second round with a 112-105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the first-round series.
LeBron James rants at NBA's replay center for calls, Lakers lose on buzzer-beater, trail Denver 2-0
LeBron James' anger boiled over after the Los Angeles Lakers' latest loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Jamal Murray sinks shot at buzzer to cap 20-point comeback and lead Nuggets past Lakers 101-99
Jamal Murray sank a 15-foot step-back jumper at the buzzer and the Denver Nuggets wiped out a 20-point second-half deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 Monday night and take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.
Nikola Jokic leads NBA champ Denver Nuggets past LeBron James and Lakers 114-103 in playoff opener
Nikola Jokic had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets powered past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103 in their Western Conference playoff opener.
Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. heads into playoffs against Lakers after trying week for family
Michael Porter Jr.'s teammates on the Denver Nuggets say their starting forward seems to be handling his family's troubles well as the team heads into the playoffs.
Jokic scores 41 points and leads Nuggets past Timberwolves 116-107 to take lead in West
Nikola Jokic scored 41 points and powered the Denver Nuggets past Minnesota and into sole possession of first place in the tight Western Conference playoff race with a 116-107 win over the Timberwolves.
Jokic's 35 points pace Nuggets in 115-112 win over short-handed Timberwolves after tight finish
Nikola Jokic had 35 points and 16 rebounds and Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Denver Nuggets fended off the undermanned and undersized Minnesota Timberwolves 115-112.
LeBron James reaches 40,000 points to extend his NBA career scoring record
LeBron James reached 40,000 points Saturday night, still going strong in his 21st NBA season as he tries to put the career scoring record out of reach.
Jokic, Nuggets fend off gritty 76ers 111-105 as Embiid sits out for 4th consecutive time in Denver
Nikola Jokic had 26 points and 16 rebounds but was denied his rematch with fellow MVP contender Joel Embiid when the Denver Nuggets fended off the short-handed but gritty Philadelphia 76ers 111-105.
Joel Embiid outshines Nikola Jokic in NBA MVPs matchup, leads 76ers past Nuggets 126-121
Joel Embiid had 41 points and 10 assists to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets 126-121 on Tuesday night in a battle of the last two NBA MVPs.
Nikola Jokic has 21 points, 16 assists, Nuggets hold off Suns 119-111
Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 16 assists, Reggie Jackson added 20 points and the Denver Nuggets held off the Phoenix Suns 119-111 for a hard-fought victory Friday night.
Jokic's triple-double lifts Nuggets past Rockets 134-124 in Murray's return
Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, Michael Porter Jr. scored a season-high 30 points and the Denver Nuggets rolled past the Houston Rockets 134-124 on Wednesday night in Jamal Murrayโs return from a hamstring injury.
Exhausted Jokic scores 35 points, Nuggets hold off Curry, Warriors 108-105
An exhausted Nikola Jokic had 35 points and 13 rebounds in more than 36 minutes of action to help the Denver Nuggets hold off the Golden State Warriors 108-105 on Wednesday night.
Jokic scores 33 points, leads Nuggets to 125-114 win over Mavericks in NBA tournament opener
Nikola Jokic finished an assist shy of a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets held off the Dallas Mavericks 125-114 on Friday night to open the NBAโs inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Jokic's 28 points lead Nuggets past Thunder 128-95 in Holmgren's 1st regular-season home game
Nikola Jokic had 28 points and 14 rebounds to help the Denver Nuggets roll past the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-95.
Nuggets celebrate first NBA championship with banner, rings and 119-107 win over the Lakers
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets began defense of their first NBA title with a 119-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA-champion Nuggets trade into the 1st round by swapping picks with the Pacers, AP source says
The NBA-champion Denver Nuggets struck a deal with Indiana to acquire a first-round round pick in the draft on Thursday night.
Jokic gets triple-double, Nuggets roll past Heat 104-93 in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Nikola Jokic got a triple-double in his NBA Finals debut, Jamal Murray scored 26 points and the Denver Nuggets had little trouble with the cold-shooting Miami Heat on the way to a 104-93 win in Game 1 of the title series on Thursday night.
Nuggets beat Suns 118-102 in Game 5 to regain series lead
Nikola Jokic had a triple-double after making up with Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Michael Porter Jr. sank five 3-pointers to help the Denver Nuggets beat Phoenix 118-102 on Tuesday night for a 3-2 series lead.
Jokic has triple-double, Nuggets beat T-wolves for 3-0 lead
Nikola Jokic had his seventh career triple-double in the playoffs with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Denver Nuggets fended off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-111 to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series.
Murray has 40 points, Nuggets beat Timberwolves for 2-0 lead
Jamal Murray scored 40 points and Michael Porter Jr. had 13 of his 16 in the fourth quarter, powering the Denver Nuggets past the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-113 on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in the NBA playoff series.
Nuggets beat Bucks 129-106 in clash of conference leaders
Nikola Jokic had 31 points and 11 assists, Jamal Murray finished with 26 points and nine assists, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 129-106 in a matchup of the NBA's conference leaders.
George's heave just late, Jokic and Nuggets top Clips in OT
Nikola Jokic had 40 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 134-124 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in a matchup of Western Conference contenders.
Rare buzzer-beater helps outmanned Nuggets beat Mavs 98-97
Vlatko Cancar hit a buzzer-beater from near midcourt when the final 2 seconds of the first half were replayed after the break, and the outmanned Denver Nuggets went on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 98-97.
Jokic, Nuggets keep Lakers winless with 110-99 victory
Nikola Jokic had 31 points and 13 rebounds, Jamal Murray hit a big 3-pointer and the Denver Nuggets kept the Los Angeles Lakers winless with a 110-99 victory Wednesday night.
Simons, Lillard lead unbeaten Blazers past Nuggets 135-110
Anfernee Simons had 29 points, including seven 3-pointers, and the Portland Trail Blazers won their fourth straight game to start the season with a 135-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic notches triple-double as Nuggets top Warriors
Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists playing with a sore right wrist he had taped, and the Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 128-123 in a rematch of the teamsโ first-round playoff series won by the Warriors in five games on their way to the title.
AP source: Nuggets and Wizards agree to 4-player swap
A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Denver Nuggets have agreed to a deal that would send guards Will Barton and Monte Morris to the Washington Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.
Curry, Poole, Thompson lead Warriors past Nuggets, 118-113
Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole scored 27 points each, Klay Thompson made six 3-pointers on his way to 26 points and the Golden State Warriors muscled past the Denver Nuggets 118-113 on Thursday night to take a 3-0 lead in the playoff series.
Suns win 12th straight with ease, roll past Nuggets 126-97
Cam Johnson scored a career-high 22 points, Deandre Ayton added 21 and the fast-starting Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to 12, routing the short-handed Denver Nuggets 126-97 on Sunday night.
Jokic, Morris fracas mars Nuggets' 113-96 win over Heat
Nikola Jokic had 25 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists before the NBA MVP was ejected for violently slamming his shoulder into Markieff Morris, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 113-96 on Monday night.
![Suns spoil Nikola Jokic's MVP party, beat Nuggets 116-102](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/FJsV-SyGIdq1RFXo57T-71fkZZc=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BSYWMRLGUJFV7GRMVXIJHS2L4Y.jpg)
Suns spoil Nikola Jokic's MVP party, beat Nuggets 116-102
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns spoiled Nikola Jokicโs MVP celebration with a 116-102 victory over Denver on Friday night in Game 3 that put โThe Jokerโ and the rest of the reeling Nuggets on the brink of a quick second-round exit.
![Chris Paul has another big night, Suns rout Nuggets 123-98](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bLG5JKgliZ46Kd-nP_WoTEN0dOA=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZVZEPKAFVNCSHCLLFKLUDO4YYM.jpg)
Chris Paul has another big night, Suns rout Nuggets 123-98
Chris Paul had 17 points and 15 assists without a turnover, Devin Booker added 18 points and 10 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns routed the Denver Nuggets 123-98 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
![Rejuvenated Paul leads Suns over Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/f2Sru9pqWGbpbZ_rjFLqenpQjD0=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FZCG5MNNBRAORBOVZZ6JCRHUWM.jpg)
Rejuvenated Paul leads Suns over Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1
Chris Paul and his rejuvenated right shoulder scored 21 points and dished 11 assists, Mikal Bridges added 23 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
![Nuggets beat Blazers 147-140 in 2OT, Lillard scores 55](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BO6XRyaod7gQiTl6HZfudOFT2vg=/800x561/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NBAQWAAYGVDDFHLCDNFKL5T3NI.jpg)
Nuggets beat Blazers 147-140 in 2OT, Lillard scores 55
Michael Porter Jr.โs 3-pointer with 1:33 left in the second overtime helped the Denver Nuggets squelch an epic comeback by the Portland Trail Blazers with a 147-140 win Tuesday night.
![Jokic scores 38, Nuggets beat Blazers 128-109 to even series](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/SZu9yCcFPqWt72qvZlpgYbxmf0Y=/800x524/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/T5STTIGQWFFKXC3VHTGF3ZRYAU.jpg)
Jokic scores 38, Nuggets beat Blazers 128-109 to even series
Nikola Jokic scored 38 points to overcome a 3-point shooting barrage from Damian Lillard and the Denver Nuggets evened the first-round series by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 128-109 in a chippy Game 2.
![Lillard leads 3-point barrage, Blazers beat Nuggets 123-109](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/33V0vfiDSElA1u9HcOwGsnnGWFw=/800x570/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SWUXLFT5KBFIJKZLX5EOV4LPSU.jpg)
Lillard leads 3-point barrage, Blazers beat Nuggets 123-109
Damian Lillard scored 34 points and led Portlandโs 3-point barrage that sparked the Trail Blazersโ 123-109 win over the Denver Nuggets in the opener of their first-round playoff series Saturday night.
![Davis scores 25 as short-handed Lakers defeat Nuggets 93-89](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BPe5SIvpFYkdHPk5wwQHmMOT81A=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C6COCICY45EMBL7PCHKBQD5YYI.jpg)
Davis scores 25 as short-handed Lakers defeat Nuggets 93-89
Anthony Davis scored 25 points and had key plays on both ends of the floor in the final minute as the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 93-89 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
![Stephen Curry, Warriors welcome back fans and beat Nuggets](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/9wnItUFuWewDu68XNEGBZkJJ6BI=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JLAI36QZLZAWTEZGBY5QNCJ6BI.jpg)
Stephen Curry, Warriors welcome back fans and beat Nuggets
Stephen Curry scored 32 points, Draymond Green had 19 assists and 12 rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors welcomed back fans for the first time since the pandemic began by beating the Denver Nuggets 118-97.
![Jokic leads Nuggets to 8th straight win by beating Spurs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/M9FMqBKEdIYHDK2iV5SjHAy5VsI=/1600x1125/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RJJTDQK7SVBUXBXUMXVE3TOP74.jpg)
Jokic leads Nuggets to 8th straight win by beating Spurs
Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets held off the San Antonio Spurs for a 121-119 win when DeMar DeRozanโs shot attempt at the buzzer rolled out.
![The Latest: Bruins-Sabres game still on](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/2gUjTSdIoMmTnP1iC6C_OKbS02Y=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2SZ3GPTB6ZBELCKYSSOZAV2RTA.jpg)
The Latest: Bruins-Sabres game still on
The Sabres canceled their pregame practice after a member of their staff was placed in the NHLโs COVID-19 protocol. The first game for ticketed fans will be when the Avalanche host the St. Louis Blues on April 2. ___The status of the Sabres-Bruins game in Buffalo on Thursday night is uncertain after both teams placed personnel in the NHLโs COVID-19 protocol. The Sabres canceled morning practice after a hockey staff member entered the protocol. The game Thursday night is supposed to be Buffaloโs first this season with a limited number of fans.
![Murray scores historic 50 as Nuggets down crumbling Cavs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/m_CmZZgFH-SFIxYkKPR1ZWhTxBI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/24GTW47COFG67BKXFWSZENEZBQ.jpg)
Murray scores historic 50 as Nuggets down crumbling Cavs
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers' Cedi Osman (16) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND โ Not himself of late, Jamal Murray got a lecture from Nuggets coach Michael Malone about being more aggressive and not passing up open shots. Following the game, Murray was unaware that he had done something unique. โWith the exception of Murray, we took some steps in the right direction,โ Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. They made their first 12 shots, opened a 22-point lead in the second half and then let Murray close out the Cavs.
![Wizards return to court, Grizzlies see 6th game postponed](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Hqfc9oq_hW0WRJf307GiJc1t5d4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WSLAZB3WYFAELM2JUN7I7PHU6I.jpg)
Wizards return to court, Grizzlies see 6th game postponed
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)The Washington Wizards are finally back. The Grizzlies wonโt play until at least Saturday, after the NBA called off yet another game -- the 20th since Jan. 10 and the 21st postponement this season. Those were called off late last week and now, the Grizzliesโ home game against Chicago that was scheduled for Wednesday is off as well. In all, 23 teams have seen at least one game called off so far this season.
![Wizards see a 5th consecutive game postponed by virus issues](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/PrUp7hKSLT0fNmOIunfuSTOlMN8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AYVYFJLSQRHWZNPJEZTZMBLORA.jpg)
Wizards see a 5th consecutive game postponed by virus issues
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI โ The Washington Wizards are now assured of going at least 11 days between games, after yet another postponement while the team deals with COVID-19 issues. The Wizards' game that was scheduled to be played Wednesday in Charlotte is now off, the NBA said Monday. That is the 14th postponement since Jan. 10 โ and no team has had more games called off than the Wizards. Washington has seen five consecutive games pushed back, and the earliest the Wizards will play again is Friday at Milwaukee. Pushing the Wizards' return back appears to make sense for multiple reasons, including the fact that the team has been unable to even practice.
![Denver tops short-handed 76ers hit with virus, injuries](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/sUBlnCf6GCiRSGrxx0YEfkKUpQU=/1600x1064/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GHBF34CKZFCOZPJ3GQQRGDIUL4.jpg)
Denver tops short-handed 76ers hit with virus, injuries
The team met the minimum eight active players by including injured forward Mike Scott, who was not actually able to play. Gary Harris scored 21 points for the Nuggets, who played without Michael Porter Jr. (19.5 points per game) because of health and safety protocols. Danny Green was the only regular in Philly's starting lineup, joined by backups Dakota Mathias, Dwight Howard, Joe and Maxey. โI donโt know enough about any of this.โSparked by Maxey, the undermanned, feisty Sixers stuck with Denver throughout the first half. Nuggets: Play Saturday in New York.
![Doncic nets 38 in near triple-double, Mavs top Nuggets in OT](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rPyDeri96oeSpR68zvsH-0PZINs=/1600x1141/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WFFXIMYYZBHVJCDFRHQ6Z5PWTE.jpg)
Doncic nets 38 in near triple-double, Mavs top Nuggets in OT
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts to a missed shot against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)DENVER โ Luka Doncic came within one rebound of his second straight triple-double, finishing with 38 points and 13 assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks over the Denver Nuggets 124-117 in overtime Thursday night. Doncic sat out Sundayโs loss to Chicago and responded with his first triple-double of the season against Houston on Monday. Nikola Jokic scored 20 of his 38 points after halftime and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver. Denver got within three on a 3-pointer from Jokic, but Doncic scored four straight to ice it for the Mavericks.
![Chris Paul helps Suns hold off Nuggets, improve to 5-1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/HW37-3ON7r4QPLOcBDr_C4bnZ98=/1600x1060/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C2KUKS3O2RFSFINVYKCPHCLMQ4.jpg)
Chris Paul helps Suns hold off Nuggets, improve to 5-1
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, looks for a shot over Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Denver. Moments like this are precisely why the Suns acquired Paul in a deal with Oklahoma City. โHim being able to knock down shots, and the ability and will to take those shots, is huge for us,โ Suns coach Monty Williams said. But on the advice of Paul, Williams decided to challenge the play. The Denver big man is posting big numbers but his production isnโt translating into wins as the Nuggets fell to 1-4.
![The Latest: Duke-Florida State basketball game postponed](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/IMfd7OddKh9XXj3g0vrfPtKSsqI=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KGOKKJ5GL5ANJNFZHGLYIFYYW4.jpg)
The Latest: Duke-Florida State basketball game postponed
18 Florida State on Saturday after coming into close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. ___Marquette womenโs basketball has paused activities because of a positive COVID-19 test. The Browns did not have any new positive COVID-19 tests on Friday, and after getting league approval, practiced indoors. Itโs the second straight postponement for the Sun Devils after their game scheduled for Thursday at Washington State was also called off. Every player on the active roster practiced Thursday and Friday, an indication none was identified as a high-risk close contact with Fitzpatrick.
![Davis, Lakers beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead in West finals](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/TKAobMmtZgOwo7Nsh1hjss1Elb4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UZ7GPLNI7NA6HL6KUV5KWTJYFM.jpg)
Davis, Lakers beat Nuggets to take 3-1 lead in West finals
Anthony Davis scored 34 points, LeBron James had 26 and the Lakers beat the Nuggets 114-108 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. James added nine rebounds and eight assists, and the Lakers had 12 offensive rebounds for a whopping 25-6 advantage in second-chance points. We had too many empty possessions tonight.โGame 5 is Saturday night, when the Lakers can reach the NBA Finals for the first time in a decade. With an array of short jumpers, Davis made his first six shots before anyone else on the Lakers made a basket. The Nuggets shot 59% in the first half but the Lakers had an 18-2 advantage in second-chance points.
![Nuggets do it again, taking Clippers to Game 7 in West](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/w-103fwn1-dmnqXVQgWg6zjVGp4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3AX4MDW5YBHGRCI6OPERBCAUPI.jpg)
Nuggets do it again, taking Clippers to Game 7 in West
The never-say-die Nuggets pulled off another season-saving comeback โ and, after rallying from 19 points down with 22 minutes remaining, theyโll see the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 on Tuesday night for a berth in the Western Conference finals. Nikola Jokic had 34 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, and the Nuggets topped the Clippers 111-98 on Sunday to even their West semifinal series at three games apiece. They saved themselves again in Game 5 of this series, getting down by 16 before coming back to save the season again. Over the next 10 minutes, the Nuggets outscored the Clippers 30-8. SCHEDULES SETWith Denver's win, the Western Conference finals โ Clippers or Nuggets vs. the Los Angeles Lakers โ are now certain to start on Friday, with games every other day until someone wins the series.
![Millsap helps Nuggets rally, stun Clippers 111-105 in Game 5](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/sUMulMmTw9B7pQK9oIwwrFM2lXU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7KP5UW7URZCE5JVOY6BVVNCBII.jpg)
Millsap helps Nuggets rally, stun Clippers 111-105 in Game 5
Denver โ down 16 in the first half โ trailed 61-46 with 9:42 remaining in the third before rallying behind the 35-year-old Millsap. The Nuggets took their first lead on Nikola Jokic's 3-pointer with 7:06 left and extended it to eight. After the Clippers pulled within a basket, Porter hit a deep 3-pointer with 1:11 remaining to all but wrap it up. Jamal Murray finished with 26 points, and Jokic added 22 points and 14 rebounds to help the Nuggets pull to 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. 9/11 MEMORIESClippers coach Doc Rivers and Nuggets coach Michael Malone reflected on their memories on the 19th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.
![Leonard, Clippers beat Nuggets 96-85, take 3-1 series lead](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ldMyYUAKFDUch3yTCOMv4uTzgQQ=/1600x1069/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2JU6CO4YGFB3XESXGK2SKY2SCE.jpg)
Leonard, Clippers beat Nuggets 96-85, take 3-1 series lead
Reserve Montrezl Harrell added 15 points to help the Clippers take a 3-1 lead. After building an 18-point lead in the second quarter, Los Angeles saw Denver storm back and tie it at 48 early in the third. Nikola Jokic had 26 points and 11 boards for a Nuggets team that finds itself in an all-too-familiar situation. They were down in their first-round series against Utah before becoming the 12th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit. Nuggets: F Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 of his 15 points in the second quarter.
![Murray scores 42, Nuggets beat Jazz 117-107 in Game 5](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YbxyXjqEqZverx4c00WkV9vViOA=/1600x1163/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/USOPBR53UNEGRIZAWQGHF34JKQ.jpg)
Murray scores 42, Nuggets beat Jazz 117-107 in Game 5
The Nuggets trail the sixth-seeded Jazz 3-2 with Game 6 on Thursday. With the game tied at 101, Murray scored nine straight for Denver to help the Nuggets gain some separation. Hes the third player in the series to have five in a quarter, joining Murray (fourth quarter in Game 4) and Mitchell (third in Game 2). He had six by in the second quarter on April 28, 2002. His last NBA game was March 11.
![Donovan Mitchell scores 30 points, Jazz rout Nuggets 124-105](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7xXPn9EEaJO5uimpOmGYNljiJaE=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GJ4MAGBVTRBMPG2JFPSF7CKXFE.jpg)
Donovan Mitchell scores 30 points, Jazz rout Nuggets 124-105
He helped the Jazz break open the game in the third quarter and increase the lead to 31 in the fourth. His performance was on the heels of scoring a Jazz playoff-record 57 points in a 135-125 overtime loss in Game 1. Jordan Clarkson scored a personal playoff-best 26 points on a day the Jazz shot 51.7% from the floor. We need the same energy and intensity.Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. had 28 points, and Nikola Jokic added 28 points and 11 rebounds. All of our games are usually close games and this one got away from us, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
![Lillard wins Bubble MVP, Williams picked as top coach](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/U8NlyhCE7kItnufm9-tzJ6oum9w=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2U4WD5WU75GFLE55G47SFBUS4E.jpg)
Lillard wins Bubble MVP, Williams picked as top coach
Phoenixs Monty Williams, who led the Suns to a perfect 8-0 record in the bubble, was chosen as the top coach of the seeding-game schedule. Joining Lillard on the first team for games played at Disney between July 30 and Fridays end of the seeding-game season was Phoenix's Devin Booker, Indiana's T.J. Warren, Dallas' Luka Doncic and Houston's James Harden. Booker was second in the Bubble MVP race, with Warren third. Second-team selections were Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard, Brooklyn's Caris LeVert, Denver's Michael Porter Jr. and Dallas' Kristaps Porzingis. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
![Kuzma's 3-pointer lifts Lakers to 124-121 win over Nuggets](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/h4IZ27xmtNdAlVsc-NqHvobfV3Q=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/4EY42LELFVEO5A4BB6LVCE7ZTM.jpg)
Kuzma's 3-pointer lifts Lakers to 124-121 win over Nuggets
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Kyle Kuzma hit a 3-pointer with .4 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 124-121 Monday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Dozier had a chance to put the Nuggets up by one with 4.4 seconds left but missed the second of two free throws. Kuzma rebounded and the Lakers called timeout to set up the winning play. James had given the Lakers a 121-119 lead by converting a 3-point play with 45.7 seconds to go. Lakers: Play the Sacramento Kings on Thursday in their final bubble game.
![Murray returns to power Nuggets past Jazz 134-132 in 2 OTs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/lE7iWlKlWRmBHtk-Tp2nV_WE350=/1600x1098/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F5IK2ZJGJ5FE7K5PFQ4JHO3UFA.jpg)
Murray returns to power Nuggets past Jazz 134-132 in 2 OTs
The Nuggets overcame Donovan Mitchell's 35 points for Utah, including a 3-pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining in the second overtime. Murray played 39 minutes and remained in the game despite showing obvious signs of fatigue as Denver gained momentum for the playoffs. Denver coach Michael Malone said his team plays a different kind of basketball, a different brand of basketball with Murray on the court. Mitchell drove through Denver's defensive breakdowns for a tying uncontested layup with less than 1 second remaining in regulation. REGRETSMitchell's jumper gave Utah a 119-117 lead with 3.4 seconds remaining in the first overtime.