Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
The Lakers collapsed, and Jamal Murray buried them.
The Los Angeles Lakers led the Denver Nuggets by 20 points in the second half of Game 2 of their first round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. After nine straight losses to the Nuggets, it finally seemed like the Lakers would get the win they were due for, and in the process tie the series.
Instead, the Lakers collapsed, the Nuggets stormed back into the game, and Jamal Murray ended it with a dagger for the ages.
The Nuggets beat the Lakers, 101-99, to take a 2-0 lead over Los Angeles in the first round series. It’s Denver’s 10th straight win over the Lakers dating back to last season.
Murray’s true buzzer-beater over Anthony Davis is immediately one of the greatest highlights in Nuggets history. Watch his game-winning dagger here:
Murray struggled to score efficiently most of the night, needing 24 field goal attempts for his 20 points. Murray started 3-for-16 from the floor, then scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter. Somehow, he still always rises to the moment in the biggest spots in the NBA Playoffs.
Nikola Jokic was brilliant throughout. He finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in the win.
The game never should have come down to the last possession. The Lakers were on their way to a blowout win, but some weird lineup choices, poor shot selection, and a decision to go away from Davis all contributed to the huge collapse. The win probability shows from ESPN shows just how improbable this Nuggets comeback was.
The Nuggets swept the Lakers last season in the Western Conference Finals on the way to Denver’s first championship in franchise history. LA has been able to keep it close against the Nuggets, but it just can’t get over the hump.
This one has to hurt so much. The Lakers had a tied series going back to LA in their hands. Jokic and Murray ripped it away again. This one is going to sting for a long time.
