Nuggets hang on, beat Lakers 102-99 in Game 5

The Denver Nuggets faced elimination from the NBA playoffs in the hostile environment at the home of the L.A. Lakers, and Denver was the better team Tuesday night.

Behind a dominating fourth quarter from newcomer JaVale McGee and double-digit performances from four other players, the Nuggets willed themselves to an improbable 102-99 win on the red carpet of Hollywood.

The Lakers already had their bags packed for the Will Rogers World Airport. Instead, they’ll have to take a detour back to DIA. It’s the first time Denver has survived a playoff elimination game in its last seven tries.

Game 6 is set for Thursday night at 8:30 at the Pepsi Center.

Read more in Derek Staudt’s Bleacher Report article>>>