“Jamal Murray’s 15-foot buzzer-beater caps off an incredible comeback for the Denver Nuggets, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99. This victory puts the Nuggets ahead 2-0 in the Western Conference playoff series. Murray’s clutch shot, a fadeaway while falling, not only secured the win but also marked the Nuggets’ first lead since early in the game. Additionally, it extends the Lakers’ losing streak against the reigning NBA champions to 10 games. Remarkably, this is the third winning buzzer-beater in a 20-point comeback in the last 25 NBA playoffs.”
“The series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.
Murray’s game-winning shot followed a missed long-range attempt by LeBron James with 16 seconds remaining, as the game was tied at 99.”
| Heading | Points |
|---|---|
| Nuggets’ Game-Winning Shot | – Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound with 13 seconds left, opting not to call a timeout – Instead, Jamal Murray advanced the ball and made a buzzer-beater step-back shot – Murray finished with 20 points in the game, 14 of which were scored in the fourth quarter |
| Nuggets’ Key Performances | – Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists – Michael Porter Jr. contributed 22 points – Aaron Gordon added 14 points |
| Lakers’ Scoring Leaders | – Anthony Davis led with 32 points, followed by LeBron James with 26 points, and D’Angelo Russell with 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, a career playoff-high |
| Lakers’ Dominance and Nuggets’ Resilience | – Lakers led 59-44 at halftime, extending to 68-48 early in the second half – Despite the Lakers’ lead, Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized perseverance, citing the absence of a “20-point play” |
- Michael Porter Jr. seized the rebound with 13 seconds left, and the Nuggets opted against calling a timeout.
- Instead, Jamal Murray advanced the ball to the right side with Anthony Davis defending him closely.
- Murray executed a step-back move and sank the basket just as the buzzer sounded, resulting in both players falling into the Nuggets’ bench amidst the roaring cheers from the crowd at Ball Arena.
- Murray concluded the game with 20 points, including an impressive 14 points scored in the fourth quarter alone.
- Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double, amassing 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 22 points, while Aaron Gordon added 14 for the Denver Nuggets.
- Anthony Davis led the Lakers’ scoring with an impressive 32 points, followed by LeBron James with 26 points, and D’Angelo Russell adding 23 points, including a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers.
- At halftime, the Lakers held a commanding 59-44 lead, extending it to 68-48 just two minutes into the second half, setting the stage for what seemed like a sure victory over Denver for the first time in 494 days.
- Despite the Lakers maintaining a 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter, Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized the importance of persistence, stating, “I don’t have a 20-point play. You’ve got to just keep chipping away.
- Anthony Davis showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive 32 points, leading the Lakers’ offense, followed closely by LeBron James with 26 points, and D’Angelo Russell contributing 23 points, which included a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers.
- The Lakers dominated the first half, establishing a commanding 59-44 lead by halftime. Their dominance continued into the second half, extending their advantage to 68-48 just two minutes in, seemingly on track for their first victory over Denver in 494 days.
- Despite the Lakers’ 10-point lead going into the final quarter, Nuggets coach Michael Malone stressed the significance of perseverance, stating, “I don’t have a 20-point play. You’ve got to just keep chipping away.