I still remember leaning forward in my chair during that crucial third quarter, feeling the game shift in a way that reminded me of classic Lakers playoff runs. The Nuggets had just stolen Game 3 in dramatic fashion, and here we were in Game 4 with everything hanging in the balance. After what I'd call a second-quarter hiccup where Denver briefly took control, the Lakers responded with the kind of basketball that makes playoff moments so special. What struck me most was how they methodically rebuilt their game, much like a seasoned volleyball team I once watched that "after a second-set hiccup, punished their opponents with a lead that ballooned to as many as 13 points and regained control to finish the match in four sets." That's exactly what we witnessed tonight at Crypto.com Arena - the Lakers absorbing Denver's best shots before delivering their own knockout blows.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter with the Lakers trailing by four. Anthony Davis, who finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, completely transformed the defensive energy with three consecutive blocked shots during a four-minute stretch. I've been watching Davis since his Kentucky days, and this was arguably his most impactful defensive sequence in a Lakers uniform. What impressed me wasn't just the blocks themselves, but how they ignited the transition game. LeBron James, playing with that familiar playoff intensity we haven't seen consistently this series, converted two of those blocks into fast-break dunks that electrified the building. The momentum swing was palpable - you could feel the energy shifting from anxious tension to roaring confidence throughout the arena.
Offensively, the Lakers made a crucial adjustment that I believe won them this game. They started exploiting mismatches in the post with James, who recognized Denver's defensive scheme had changed since Game 3. Instead of settling for perimeter shots, James attacked the basket relentlessly, drawing fouls and creating opportunities for his teammates. His stat line of 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists doesn't fully capture his control of the game's tempo during that decisive third-quarter run. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves provided that essential secondary scoring punch with 18 points, including several clutch baskets when Denver threatened to comeback. His three-pointer with 2:34 left in the third quarter pushed the lead to nine and forced a Denver timeout - that was the moment I turned to my friend and said, "This feels different than the previous games."
Denver's resilience deserves recognition too. Nikola Jokic was his typical brilliant self, posting 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Jamal Murray added 24 points despite struggling from beyond the arc. What surprised me was how the Nuggets' role players failed to step up in critical moments. Michael Porter Jr. went just 3-for-12 from the field, and their bench contributed only 18 points total. Having watched every game this series, I can confidently say this was Denver's weakest bench performance, which ultimately cost them despite Jokic's heroics.
The fourth quarter became a masterclass in clock management from the Lakers. They maintained their composure even when Denver cut the lead to five with about seven minutes remaining. The decision to involve Davis in every offensive set during the final six minutes was particularly smart coaching. He either scored or drew double teams that created open looks for shooters. D'Angelo Russell's corner three with 4:12 remaining, which pushed the lead back to eleven, essentially sealed the game. From my perspective, that shot exemplified the Lakers' improved ball movement compared to earlier games - it came from two quick passes after Davis drew the double team.
Defensively, the Lakers made one crucial adjustment that I haven't seen discussed much - they started hedging harder on screen actions involving Jokic and Murray. This disrupted Denver's two-man game that had been so effective in previous contests. Jarred Vanderbilt, who played 28 minutes despite dealing with foul trouble, provided exceptional defensive versatility that allowed the Lakers to switch more effectively. His deflection leading to a fast-break layup with 3:19 left in the third quarter started that pivotal 15-4 run that ultimately decided the contest.
Looking at the final statistics, the Lakers won this game through superior efficiency in key areas. They shot 48% from the field compared to Denver's 43%, won the rebounding battle 48-42, and most importantly, converted 22 fast-break points to Denver's 11. The 112-105 final score doesn't fully reflect how the Lakers controlled the game's tempo for the final eighteen minutes. Having attended numerous playoff games over the years, I can say this was one of the more impressive response performances I've witnessed after a tough loss.
What this victory means for the series cannot be overstated. Instead of facing elimination, the Lakers have breathed new life into their championship aspirations. The momentum has clearly shifted back to Los Angeles, and with Game 5 heading to Denver, the pressure now falls on the Nuggets to protect home court. From my viewpoint, the Lakers discovered something crucial about themselves in this game - they can withstand Denver's runs and counter with their own. The confidence gained from this performance could prove invaluable as the series progresses. This sets up what promises to be a fascinating Game 5, where we'll see if the Lakers can carry this momentum on the road or if the Nuggets can rediscover the form that made them so dominant earlier in the series.