AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets prays with teammates before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray (27) wait to take the court before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic (15) and Mason Plumlee (24) warm up before taking the floor against the Portland Trail Blazers before the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers and Paul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets tip off during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets makes a circus shot from behind the backboard after being forced out of bounds by Maurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone of the Denver Nuggets speaks to Jamal Murray (27) during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets speaks to Nikola Jokic (15) during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers loses the ball as Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray (27) defend during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers argues a foul call during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers grabs a rebound over Gary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 5: Paul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Maurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets defends Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone of the Denver Nuggets speaks to a referee during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hits a rebound out of the hands of Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets stand on the court during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul call after being forced out of bounds by Maurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers before making a circus shot over the backboard during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to being called for fouling Al-Farouq Aminu (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets heads to the bench after fouling Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone of the Denver Nuggets watches the action against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets wipes his face during a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers makes a three while being fouled by Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 5: Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers flexes after hitting a three while being fouled by Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets forces CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers to pass to Seth Curry (31) during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets strips Seth Curry (31) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostSeth Curry (31) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to making a three against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAl-Farouq Aminu (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends as Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets loses the ball out of bounds during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets gets helped up by Torrey Craig (3) and Paul Millsap (4) after losing the ball out of bounds against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAl-Farouq Aminu (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to earning a free-throw after making a shot as Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets contests the foul during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers vie for a rebound during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets jaws with a referee while playing the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostSeth Curry (31) of the Portland Trail Blazers makes a three over Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets to end the half during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets wipes his face after Seth Curry (31) of the Portland Trail Blazers hit a three over him at the buzzer to end the half during the second quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostZach Collins (33) of the Portland Trail Blazers fouls Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMason Plumlee (24) of the Denver Nuggets and Will Barton (5) vie for a rebound against Al-Farouq Aminu (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard (0) and Zach Collins (33) during the third quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to being fouled by Gary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostZach Collins (33) of the Portland Trail Blazers fouls Monte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets hits a rebound opportunity away from Rodney Hood (5) of the Portland Trail Blazers and Zach Collins (33) during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets gets up after falling into the crowd during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to getting called for fouling Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 5: Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to hitting a clutch three against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets speaks to head coach Michael Malone after coming up hobbled against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray (27), Will Barton (5) and Gary Harris (14) come off the court for a timeout against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPortland Trail Blazers fans try to rattle Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets on an inbound pass late in the game during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets claps upon leaving the floor after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 116-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets evened their best-of-seven series with the Portland Trail Blazers at 2-2 in game four of the teams' second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
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CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers game four of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
ExpandBy AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
The Denver Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray’s 34 points, evened their best-of-seven playoff series with the Portland Trail Blazers by way of a 116-112 win in Portland on Sunday.


















































