In a thrilling Western Conference playoff matchup, the Denver Nuggets rallied from a 20-point second-half deficit to snatch a 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Jamal Murray emerged as the hero, sinking a 15-foot step-back jumper at the buzzer to send the home crowd into a frenzy. His clutch shot capped a remarkable comeback, giving the Nuggets their first lead since early in the first quarter.
The Lakers, led by Anthony Davis’s 32 points and LeBron James’s 26, controlled much of the game. However, the Nuggets chipped away at their deficit, with Nikola Jokic powering a resurgence that saw Denver outscore Los Angeles 57-40 in the second half.
Michael Porter Jr. grabbed a key rebound with 13 seconds remaining, allowing Murray to seal the thrilling victory. The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night, with the Lakers facing an uphill battle to avoid falling into a deeper hole.
