In a stunning display of late-game heroics, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets delivered a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater to clinch a 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their playoff series. With the game knotted up and the clock ticking down, Murray expertly maneuvered against Anthony Davis, unleashing a fadeaway jumper that secured the win. The shot not only sent Murray tumbling into the Nuggets’ bench but also set off ecstatic celebrations at Denver’s Ball Arena.
Despite struggling with his shot for most of the game, Murray rallied to score 14 of his 20 points in the crucial fourth quarter, playing a pivotal role in overturning a 20-point deficit. This dramatic turnaround gives the Nuggets a 2-0 lead as the series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3.
The Nuggets’ victory extends their winning streak against the Lakers to ten games. This buzzer-beater also joins the ranks of rare playoff moments, being one of only three since 2000 to seal a comeback of 20 points or more, the last of which was achieved by Luka Dončić in 2020.
Early in the game, the Lakers appeared dominant. Anthony Davis was virtually unstoppable in the first half, scoring 24 points on near-perfect shooting, propelling the Lakers to a significant lead. However, the Nuggets, fueled by Nikola Jokić’s resilient performance, which included a triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, clawed back into contention.
The final minutes were a back-and-forth battle, with the Lakers maintaining a slender lead until a clutch three-pointer by Michael Porter Jr. tied the game, setting the stage for Murray’s dramatic game-winner.
As the series heads to Los Angeles, the Lakers are hopeful for the return of Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since February. His comeback could provide a boost for the Lakers as they attempt to rebound from this challenging start.
JAMAL MURRAY. GAME WINNER. pic.twitter.com/h4ZZ4SX75P
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 23, 2024
Per @StatsWilliams:
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 23, 2024
There are three instances in the NBA playoffs since 2000 of a player hitting a game-winning buzzer beater to complete a comeback of 20 or more points:
– Jamal Murray tonight
– Luka Doncic in 2020 vs Clippers
– Robert Horry in 2002 vs Kings
“If it wasn’t for my teammates, I might not even get to that shot.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 23, 2024
Jamal Murray joins TNT after calling game vs. the Lakers pic.twitter.com/g1lfEVxk26
WHAT A SEQUENCE IN DENVER! 🤯🤯🤯@Lakers 95@nuggets 95
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2024
Under 2 minutes to play in the 4Q on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/gQQWAs5eTZ