Due to a slew of fouls, Nikola Jokic was far from his normal dominant form, and Jamal Murray lost his steam after a blazing first half.
In the fourth quarter of Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets, the large early advantage completely vanished, sending the Lakers' home audience into a frenzy.
The Nuggets handled every setback with grace and a champion's poise before slowly and methodically seizing the initiative.
They'll finally have the opportunity to compete for their first rings with one more triumph.
With a 119-108 victory over Los Angeles on Saturday night, Murray scored 37 points, Jokic added 24 points and eight assists, and the Nuggets advanced to a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
The top-seeded Nuggets, who have never been this close to the NBA Finals in their 47-year history, were led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who scored 12 of his team-high 17 points in the second half against his old team.
Denver lost Game 3 after blowing a 14-point lead, but a decisive 13-0 surge in the fourth quarter snapped the Lakers' nine-game home winning streak since March 26,
Denver coach Michael Malone stated, "This squad is capable of doing big things, and they believe. Belief is a tremendously potent force.
Denver coach Michael Malone stated, "This squad is capable of doing big things, and they believe. Belief is a tremendously potent force.
In NBA history, no team has ever come back from a 3-0 series disadvantage. Monday night in Los Angeles is Game 4.