Denver Nuggets Forward Nikola Jokic. Photo: Photosport
The Denver Denver Nuggets are into the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history with a 113-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nikola Jokic, the NBA MVP in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, compiled 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists to set a record for total triple-doubles in a single postseason with eight.
He had been tied with Wilt Chamberlain, who had seven for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1967.
Jamal Murray scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon added 22 for the Nuggets, who trailed by 15 points at halftime and weathered a 31-point first half from Lakers star LeBron James.
Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James. Photo: Photosport
Denver swept the series after losing once in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves and twice in the second round to the Phoenix Suns.
The Western Conference's top seed will now await the winner of the Eastern Conference finals, in which the Miami Heat have a 3-0 lead over the Boston Celtics.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 1 in Denver or Boston.
Denver led 94-89 entering the final period, with Jokic already having recorded his triple-double.
Reuters
