Lakers take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals

You can credit the Lakers offensive rebounding. The Lakers had twelve offensive rebounds, three alone by Dwight Howard in the first quarter making the difference in scoring.

You can credit the passing ability of Rajon Rondo for this win. He passed Scottie Pippin last night in all-time postseason assists. He surpassed Kobe Bryant in the previous game. He is now the 8th all time behind Steve Nash.

You can credit the refs who called a lopsided game. LeBron James does not get called for offensive fouls despite extending his arm repeatedly. He didn’t get called on a foul against Jamal Murray that would have put the Nugget’s leader at the free throw line. Any mere mortal would get that call, but then again, membership has its privileges. Even Anthony Davis got a foul call for twisting his own ankle.

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

In a game this close, any of these items could have made the difference and evened the series. Alas, just enough went the way of the Lakers and they now have the opportunity to put the Nuggets’ season to rest.

Michael Malone must rally his troops and do the unthinkable for the third straight time. The Denver Nuggets must win three in a row. Can they do it? The world will soon find out.

In the meantime, the Miami Heat look to close out their series tonight and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since getting dismantled by the San Antonio Spurs. Can this post-Heatles Miami team restore the glory to Erik Spoelstra? At the same time, the Boston Celtics hope to channel their inner Nuggets and rage against the dying of the light.

Who you rooting for tonight?

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