Lakers win Game 5 over Nuggets 94 Lakers 103

The Lakers are one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.The Denver Nuggets are one loss away from going on vacation.For three quarters tonight in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at Staples Center, the Lakers and Nuggets played it even, ending all three with a tie score. But in the fourth quarter, the Lakers took control, pulling away for a 103-94 victory over the Nuggets and a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Nuggets can keep their hopes alive by winning Game 6 at the Pepsi Center on Friday night.If the Nuggets win, they'll meet the Lakers here Sunday evening for a winner-take-all Game 7. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 22 points and eight assists. Lamar Odom had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony had 31 points for the Nuggets, but he was just nine-for-23 shooting from the field. The Lakers had an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead trimmed to 93-89 with more than two minutes to play and then to 96-91 with 1:20 left on a basket by Anthony. Though the Lakers were struggling to keep their heads above water, they didn't go all the way under. Bryant found Odom down low for a layup. Odom was fouled as he scored and made the ensuing free throw for a 99-91 Lakers lead. Bryant made two free throws for a 101-91 lead that sealed the game. When winning Game 5 of a best-of-seven series, the Lakers have a 39-7 record. Since leaving the ABA after the 1975-76 season, the Nuggets have never played in the NBA Finals. In fact, the Nuggets have played for a professional basketball title just once, in '75-'76, for the ABA championship. And the Nuggets lost. The Nuggets, known for losing their composure, lost it early in the fourth quarter. Nene was called for an offensive foul with 9:33 left, his fifth foul. As he walked to the bench during a timeout, Nene was called for a technical foul. Nene eventually fouled out with 4:02 left on a blocking foul against Pau Gasol. SOURCE: LATIMES.COM