ress is that the Nuggets’ supporting cast has simply outclassed the Lakers’ supporting cast.
This is not to take away from James and Davis, who are undoubtedly doing everything in their power to keep their team in this series. But success in the NBA playoffs is truly a team effort, and the Nuggets’ team, top to bottom, appears to be clicking on all cylinders.
Moving forward, the Lakers will need a dramatic change in fortunes if they hope to climb out of this 3-0 hole. They will need their role players to step up in a significant way, matching the intensity and production of Denver’s supporting cast.
If the Lakers’ non-star starters fail to make a significant impact in Game 4, it is difficult to see them turning the tide against a Nuggets team firing on all cylinders.
While the Nuggets have indeed been riding the incredible performances of Jokic and Murray to their 3-0 lead, they have also been buoyed by the contributions of Gordon, Porter Jr., and Caldwell-Pope. These role players have truly stepped up and delivered when it mattered most, making key plays and providing much-needed support to the star duo.
In a league where superstars often hog the spotlight, it is refreshing to see the unsung heroes getting their due recognition. And for the Denver Nuggets, it is their depth and cohesion as a team that have carried them to the brink of a first-round sweep against the defending champions.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how the role players continue to perform and whether the Lakers can turn things around. But for now, the focus remains on the collective effort of the Nuggets, who are on the cusp of a monumental upset in the making.
