Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone holds the trophy as Nikola Jokic (15) laughs with boyish glee amidst the chaos of celebratory pats and cheers from teammates after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with Peyton Watson (8) and Zeke Nnaji (22) after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)- Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hoists the trophy after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Strahinja Jokic, right, and Nemanja Jokic, left, brothers of Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, celebrate after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates as his wife, Natalija, and their baby girl, Ognjena, look on glowingly after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with his family in the stands after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets tip off during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers passes as Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets defends during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets passes as LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets defends Rui Hachimura (28) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets works against Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets hammers LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers steals the ball from Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets swats a pass away from Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets runs in transition as Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound away from Nikola Jokic (15) and Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets dunks on a lob from Nikola Jokic (15) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets guards LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets and LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers tussle after Gordon took exception to physical contact from James during the second quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets claps as he is trailed by Jamal Murray (27) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) after teammate Aaron Gordon (50) engaged in an altercation with LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of the Western Conference finals game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Five-year-old Carter Portillo cheers for the Denver Nuggets as he watches the big screen showing Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on May 22, 2023 in Denver. Denver Nuggets are playing Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles. If the Nuggets win they will clinch a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
- A fan stays hydrated during a watch party of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on May 22, 2023, in Denver. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
- Aubrey Greene watches every moment of the action on the big screens at Ball Arena in Denver as the Denver Nuggets play Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals in Los Angeles on May 22, 2023. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
- LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers wipes his brow during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets saves a loose ball as Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets defends Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to being called for an offensive foul upon blowing up LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets takes on LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets roars after dunking over Dennis Schroder (17) and Rui Hachimura (28) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers hangs his head during the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets drivers between Anthony Davis (3) and Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers for a clutch basket in the waning seconds during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Dennis Schroder (17) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets handles as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) sets a pick on LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets locks up LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of regulation during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets hugs teammate Collin Gillespie after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Ish Smith (14), center, and Bruce Brown (11), left, of the Denver Nuggets celebrate after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference Finals Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hugs Jamal Murray (27) after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with team governor Josh Kroenke and team owner Stan Kroenke after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leaves the floor with his MVP trophy in hand after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
- Zeke Deleon, 38, gets emotional as he watches the Denver Nuggets win Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on the big screen at Ball Arena on May 22, 2023, in Denver. The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 in Los Angeles, clinching a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Tickets for the finals are on sale, but they aren't cheap. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
1 of 43
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone holds the trophy as Nikola Jokic (15) laughs with boyish glee amidst the chaos of celebratory pats and cheers from teammates after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Expand
By AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post and RJ Sangosti | rsangosti@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
The Denver Nuggets swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Western Conference Finals, winning Game 4 113-111 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. Denver will head to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Already have an account Log In
This article is only available to subscribers
Flash Sale
Standard Digital
$1 for 1 year
Offer valid for non-subscribers only
