When it actually counted, Anthony Davis did what the Lakers wanted him to do. Early together with his scoring — he scored the Lakers’ first 10 factors — and late with two crucial rebounds in a sport regardless of having been stored off the glass for a lot of the sport.

With these rebounds, the Lakers stole what the Nuggets wanted most — time to shut the hole.

The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 114-108 behind 60 factors from Davis (34) and James (26) in a sport by which they dominated the rebounding margin and scored 25 second-chance factors.

With the win, the Lakers took a 3-1 sequence lead towards the Nuggets in Orlando, Fla., and are one win away from their first journey to the NBA Finals since 2010. Denver faces its third 3-1 deficit of this 12 months’s playoffs.

Dwight Howard obtained his first begin on a wholesome Lakers roster, changing JaVale McGee. He rewarded Lakers coach Frank Vogel for his belief. Howard scored eight factors with eight rebounds within the first quarter alone.

Davis’ offensive contributions additionally pushed the Lakers within the first quarter. He didn’t miss a shot till 3:58 remained within the second quarter. By that time he had scored 14 factors. He missed his subsequent 4 photographs — three within the second quarter and one within the third.

With about two minutes left within the half, Denver’s Jamal Murray drove on the rim. He elevated for what regarded like a right-handed dunk try with James in entrance of him prepared to dam his shot. As a substitute, whereas in mid-air, Murray introduced the ball down and round James’ midsection, then spun it up and into the basket to chop the Lakers’ result in 57-51.

. The Lakers missed 10 of their final 12 photographs earlier than halftime, which allowed the Nuggets to shut what had been a double-digit hole. At halftime, the Lakers led, 60-55.

Denver shot 59% within the first half, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to leap in entrance of the Lakers, who had taken 10 extra photographs than the Nuggets and made 5 extra free throws.

Eight third-quarter factors from Rajon Rondo and 7 from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope helped the Lakers hold onto their lead after three durations, nevertheless it was solely three factors.

Twice late within the fourth, Murray tried to assault. James went step for step with him and denied him each occasions. Murray didn’t get free throws on both journey, although he thought he deserved them. On the primary one, James helped lead a fastbreak that resulted in James scoring on the different finish.

A scoring drought influenced by a tricky Lakers protection stored the Nuggets from occurring a run to take the sport. Murray completed with 32 factors.

The Nuggets have been right here twice earlier than. They trailed 3-1 to the Utah Jazz earlier than profitable that sequence. They trailed 3-1 to the Clippers earlier than profitable that sequence. They thrive in elimination video games, and can face the Lakers in one other one Saturday.

However the Lakers have additionally been right here. They beat every of their first two playoff opponents 4-1.

Ganguli reported from Los Angeles.