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Denver Nuggets Make History by Stamping First Trip to NBA Finals

Author Michael Cohen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is called for an offensive foul against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

There will be no LeBron James and the LA Lakers in the NBA Finals this year.

Hollywood was knocked out of the NBA Playoffs after a 113-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, meaning Denver not only completes the sweep, but they advance to their first ever NBA Finals.

The Miami Heat could join them in the Finals as soon as this evening. The Heat hold 3-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics.

As he has all season, Nikola Jocic led the way for the Nuggets with a triple-double, 30 points, 14 boards, and 13 assists. The Triple-Double was his eighth of the playoffs, breaking Wilt Chamberlin’s record set back in 1967.

Jamal Murray was also exceptional, scoring 25 points in the victory. Aaron Gordon also had a big night contributing 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

The Nuggets are now the seventh NBA Franchise to make its first ever NBA Finals appearance in this century, joining the Heat (first appearance, 2006); Dallas Mavericks (first appearance, 2006); Cleveland Cavaliers first appearance, 2007); Indiana Pacers (first appearance, 2000); Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets (first appearance, 2002), and Toronto Raptors (first appearance, 2019).

The Nuggets will also try to attempt to become the 12th NBA Team (including the defunct Baltimore Bullets) to win the NBA Finals in its first ever trip to the Big Dance. The last team to win the Finals in its first appearance were the Toronto Raptors just four short years ago when Kawhi Leonard went off against the Golden State Warriors.

Fifth is the charm: This was Denver’s fifth ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals, they were 0-4 in its previous stops, losing to the then-Seattle SuperSonics in 1978 and losing to the Lakers three times in 1985, 2009 and 2020.

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Michael Cohen is the News and Sports Director at Fox Sports Radio New Jersey and Magic 98.3 FM, as well as a radio production assistant with Fox and Magic in New Jersey. He started his career in Somerset in 2018 initially as a news fill-in at WCTC 1450 AM, and soon moved up to higher responsibilities in the ensuing years, assuming News & Sports Director title in 2021Prior to his time with Fox Sports New Jersey, Michael was play-by-play voice for New Jersey Jackals baseball, and as well as play-by-play and color for the College of Staten Island basketball (men and women), softball and baseball. Michael began his career as a news and sportswriter with the Jersey Journal of Hudson County.

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Author Michael Cohen
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