Jamal Murray sank a 15-foot step-back jumper on the buzzer and the Denver Nuggets worn out a 20-point second-half deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 Monday night time and take a 2-0 lead of their Western Convention playoff sequence.
Murray’s fadeaway, falling-down game-winner offered the Nuggets with their first lead since 5-3 within the opening minutes and gave the reigning NBA champions their tenth consecutive win over the Lakers.
The sequence shifts to Los Angeles for Recreation 3 on Thursday night time
Murray’s profitable shot got here after LeBron James misfired from lengthy vary with 16 seconds left and the sport tied at 99.
Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound with 13 seconds left and the Nuggets did not name a timeout.
As a substitute, Murray took the ball to the precise facet with Anthony Davis guarding him, stepped again and swished the basket simply because the buzzer sounded. Each Murray and Davis fell into the Nuggets’ bench because the sellout crowd’s roar shook Ball Area.
Murray completed with 20 factors, together with 14 within the fourth quarter, and Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 27 factors, 20 boards and 10 assists. Porter added 22 factors and Aaron Gordon 14 for Denver.
Davis led the Lakers with 32 factors, James had 26 and D’Angelo Russell added 23 with a profession playoff-high seven 3s.
The Lakers led 59-44 at halftime and stretched their benefit to 68-48 two minutes into the second half.
