Another Denver Nuggets comeback from a 1-3 deficit? Not on the Los Angeles Lakers’ watch.

The Lakers ended their decade-long NBA Finals drought after disposing of the Nuggets in 5 games with a resounding 117-107 win on Saturday, September 26 (Sunday, September 27, Manila time).

LeBron James churned out 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in 40 minutes, taking over in the crucial stretch with 16 fourth-quarter points as the Lakers reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

Seeking a ninth NBA Finals appearance in the last 10 seasons, James put the Lakers on his back in the closing minutes by knocking down timely buckets that put the Nuggets at bay

The four-time NBA MVP James hit back-to-back two-pointers for a 112-101 advantage before sinking a booming triple with 1:57 minutes remaining to put the Lakers up 115-103.

Anthony Davis backstopped James with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals as he marks his first season with the Lakers with a trip to the NBA Finals.

Danny Green had 11 points, Alex Caruso added another 11 points, while Dwight Howard chimed in 9 points and 9 rebounds in the win.

“We’re going to enjoy it tonight, but we understand we’ve got bigger fish to fry,” James said as the Western Conference title was celebrated on court. “We understand there’s a bigger goal.”

Nikola Jokic delivered 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists to lead the Nuggets, who failed to weave the same comeback magic they wielded when they overcame a 1-3 hole in their two previous playoff series.

The Nuggets showed signs of a comeback when they shaved a double-digit deficit to just a single possession, 84-87, going into the 4th quarter but the Lakers proved to be on a different level with James on beast mode.

Jerami Grant had 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Jamal Murray put up 19 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds in the loss.

The Lakers await the winner between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. – Rappler.com