Game 5: Lakers Plead the Fourth

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 103-94, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and putting them just one victory away from advancing to the NBA Finals. After both teams tied after each quarter, the Lakers dominated the fourth, out-scoring Denver 27-18 in the final period. LA managed to close the gap on rebounds, and out-blocked the Nuggets 12-4. Denver shot just .386 from the field. Kobe Bryant led the Purple-and-Gold with 22 points, and Pau Gasol added 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. Lamar Odom had his best game of the series, scoring 19 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and blocking 5 shots. The Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 31 points despite shooting 9-for-23. Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin both added 12 points.