While the Denver Nuggets are the only team in NBA History with multiple 3-1 comebacks in the same postseason, the Lakers are still in the more enviable position, being only one win away from the first NBA Finals the Lakers Franchise has seen 2010. A big reason, aside from the play of their leaders, was the substitution Frank Vogel made in the starting lineup before Game 4.
Dwight Howard was excellent for the Lakers in Game 4, posting 12 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. His play impressed LeBron James, as well, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Dwight was a beast,” said LeBron James. “Gave us opportunities when we missed shots … he was cleaning glass both offensively and defensively. Got us put-backs and was able to control the paint. We know we got smashed in the rebounding category in Game 3, so we wanted to do a better job in that. Dwight brought that physical presence. It was great for our ballclub.”
LeBron has been on the other side of great performances from Howard in the playoffs before and he sounds pretty thrilled to have Dwight as a weapon helping him get one step closer to his 4th NBA Championship.
