Lakers vs Nuggets Game 4 Highlights: Key Plays and Final Score Breakdown

Watching Game 4 of the Lakers vs Nuggets series, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to that classic volleyball match I once covered—the one where Alas Men stumbled in the second set but stormed back to dominate, stretching their lead to as many as 13 points before sealing the deal in four. That’s exactly the kind of resilience and momentum shift we witnessed tonight at Ball Arena. As someone who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of playoff battles, but this one had a unique flavor—a mix of tactical brilliance, emotional swings, and individual heroics that kept everyone on edge. Let me walk you through the key moments and breakdowns that defined this thrilling contest.

Right from tip-off, the Lakers came out with an intensity we hadn’t seen in the previous games. LeBron James, in particular, looked like a man on a mission, dropping 12 points in the first quarter alone. His efficiency was off the charts—he shot 75% from the field in those opening minutes, setting the tone for what felt like a statement performance. Anthony Davis wasn’t far behind, controlling the paint with 8 points and 6 rebounds early on. But here’s where it got interesting: the Nuggets, much like the Kiwis in that volleyball reference, seemed caught off guard. They struggled to find their rhythm, especially from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of their first 8 three-point attempts. I’ve always believed that playoff games are won in the first quarter, and the Lakers’ 34-24 lead after one only reinforced that belief. It wasn’t just the scoring; their defensive rotations were sharp, forcing Denver into contested shots and three turnovers in those first 12 minutes.

Then came the second quarter, and boy, did things take a turn. If the first period was the Lakers’ showcase, the second was Denver’s response—a hiccup for L.A. reminiscent of Alas Men’s stumble. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić’s wizardry, went on a 15-4 run over a five-minute stretch. Jokić tallied 10 points and 4 assists in the quarter, exploiting mismatches and finding open shooters like Jamal Murray, who finally found his stroke with back-to-back threes. The Lakers’ lead, which had once felt comfortable, evaporated into a 52-50 deficit at halftime. From my seat, it felt like the momentum had completely shifted. L.A.’s offense became stagnant—too much isolation play, not enough ball movement. They committed 5 turnovers in the quarter, and Davis picked up his third foul, forcing him to sit for crucial minutes. I’ve seen this team fold under such pressure before, and for a moment, I wondered if history was repeating itself.

But just like Alas Men in that match, the Lakers didn’t let the second-set hiccup define them. The third quarter was where they regained control, and it was a masterclass in adjustment. LeBron and Davis combined for 20 points in the period, but the real story was their defense. They held Denver to just 18 points on 35% shooting, a stat that jumps off the page when you consider the Nuggets’ offensive firepower. One play that stood out to me was a block by Davis on Jokić with about 6 minutes left—a momentum-swinging rejection that led to a fast-break dunk by Austin Reaves. That sequence, in my opinion, was the turning point. The Lakers’ lead ballooned to 13 points at one stage, mirroring that 13-point cushion from the volleyball analogy, and you could feel the energy shift back in their favor. It wasn’t just the stars, either; role players like Rui Hachimura chipped in with timely buckets, finishing the game with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. As a longtime observer, I’ve always appreciated how championship-caliber teams elevate role players in big moments, and tonight, L.A. did exactly that.

As we moved into the fourth quarter, the Lakers maintained their grip on the game, though Denver made a late push that had my heart racing. Murray caught fire, scoring 12 points in the final frame, including a deep three that cut the lead to just 5 with under two minutes to go. But here’s where experience shone through—LeBron’s leadership in crunch time was impeccable. He orchestrated the offense, dishing out 3 assists in the last five minutes and hitting a clutch fadeaway jumper over Michael Porter Jr. to extend the lead back to 7. The final score of 112-105 doesn’t fully capture the back-and-forth nature of this game, but it underscores the Lakers’ ability to close out under pressure. Statistically, LeBron finished with a near-triple-double: 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Davis added 28 points and 14 boards. On Denver’s side, Jokić put up 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, but his supporting cast couldn’t match L.A.’s depth when it mattered most.

Reflecting on this game, I’m struck by how it encapsulates the essence of playoff basketball—a test of will, adjustments, and individual brilliance. The Lakers’ response after that second-quarter slump reminded me why I love this sport; it’s not just about talent, but mental toughness. From an SEO perspective, keywords like “Lakers vs Nuggets Game 4 highlights,” “key plays,” and “final score breakdown” naturally fit into this narrative because they’re what fans are searching for. But beyond the stats, this game leaves me optimistic about L.A.’s chances moving forward. If they can maintain this level of defensive intensity and ball movement, they’re a tough out for anyone. Denver, on the other hand, needs to address their consistency—especially from role players—if they want to bounce back. In the end, much like Alas Men’s victory, this was a story of resilience, and as a fan and analyst, I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series unfolds.