NBA World Reacts As Nuggets Edge LeBron James, Lakers to Reach First Finals
It took a long time—47 seasons in all since the ABA-NBA merger—but the Nuggets are finally headed to the NBA Finals.
Denver rallied past the Lakers to win Game 4 of the Western Conference finals by a score of 113–111 Monday evening, surviving a tremendous 40-point effort from Los Angeles forward LeBron James. The win gave the Nuggets their first conference title in a season where they finished with the West's best record for the first time.
It was an eventful, historic game, as James dropped 31 in the first half and Denver center Nikola Jokić broke a triple-double record held by Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain. The dramatic affair drew a variety of reactions from basketball observers and fans, most in praise of Jokić and James.
Many were quick to point out that the win made the Nuggets the final holdover from the ABA to reach the NBA's flagship event.
Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers offered Denver reluctant, hilarious congratulations.
For many, the win served as validation of Jokić's gradual ascent to superstardom.
Jokić's humble origins as a second-round draft pick were rehashed.
Warriors fans had a laugh at their rivals' expense.
ESPN—a frequent target for its Lakers-centric coverage throughout the postseason—took flak for its outro.
The enormity of James's achievements were also put into perspective.
However, that didn't stop NBA Twitter from giving the King a proper elimination sendoff.
