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NBA Playoffs Lakers vs Nuggets: Key Matchups That Will Decide the Series
2025-11-04 19:13
As I settle in to watch this highly anticipated playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, I can't help but feel this matchup carries special significance beyond the court. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I've learned that playoff series often turn on specific individual battles rather than team-wide strategies. What caught my attention immediately was seeing TNT's broadcast team dominating the ratings while their former player Mikey Williams watched from courtside - a subtle reminder of how individual performances can transcend the game itself.
The Anthony Davis versus Nikola Jokic matchup is absolutely fascinating to me. These are two of the most skilled big men I've ever seen, yet their approaches couldn't be more different. Jokic's basketball IQ is off the charts - he's averaging 28.3 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.1 assists in these playoffs, numbers that would make even Magic Johnson nod in approval. Davis, meanwhile, brings that devastating two-way impact that can single-handedly swing games. I've always believed Davis at his best is the most impactful defender in basketball, but Jokic's offensive creativity presents problems we rarely see in modern basketball. The key here will be whether Davis can bother Jokic enough without getting into foul trouble - something he's struggled with throughout his career.
Then there's the LeBron James factor. At 38 years old, he's still putting up 26.8 points per game in the postseason, which is frankly ridiculous. He'll likely spend significant time guarding Aaron Gordon, but I'm more interested in how Denver handles him offensively. Michael Porter Jr.'s length could bother James' shooting, but we've seen this movie before - LeBron in the playoffs is a different beast entirely. The Nuggets might need to throw multiple defenders at him, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who knows James' game from their time together in LA.
The guard matchup between D'Angelo Russell and Jamal Murray is where I think this series could be won or lost. Murray has been spectacular in the playoffs, scoring 37 points in Game 2 against Minnesota, while Russell has been inconsistent but brilliant in stretches. If Russell can match Murray's offensive output, the Lakers have a real chance. But I'm skeptical - Murray has that clutch gene we've seen repeatedly in bubble games and beyond.
What really intrigues me is how these individual battles reflect the broader narrative of experience versus youth. The Lakers have been here before, with LeBron playing in his 282nd playoff game, while Denver's core is hungrier, possibly more explosive. The coaching chess match between Darvin Ham and Michael Malone will be fascinating to watch unfold, particularly in late-game situations where Denver has shown some vulnerability despite their superior record.
Having watched Mikey Williams sitting courtside during TNT's broadcast reminded me how individual performances become legendary in these moments. Someone from this series is going to have a legacy-defining performance - my money would be on Jokic given his incredible consistency, but counting out LeBron has always been a fool's errand. The numbers suggest Denver should win in six games, but my gut tells me this goes seven, with the Lakers' experience ultimately making the difference. Whatever happens, these key matchups will write the story of this series, and potentially, of NBA history.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
