Facing a must-win game, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to maintain momentum as they fell to the Denver Nuggets 101-99 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Despite an early 20-point lead, the Lakers’ offense faltered in the second half, allowing the Nuggets to rally and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Anthony Davis, who took on the defensive assignment of Nikola Jokic, played exceptionally well, but foul trouble disrupted his rhythm in the third quarter. The Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made key contributions, while Jamal Murray scored six of eight in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
LeBron James scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, but his potential game-winner didn’t fall, finishing with 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. Davis led the Lakers with 32 points but was held scoreless in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers face an uphill battle as they head back to Los Angeles for Game 3. However, they may receive some reinforcements as Jarred Vanderbilt is targeting a return, having gone through his most extensive workout to date during Monday’s shootaround. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the tough calls and non-calls but emphasized the need to focus on Game 3 and give the Nuggets the same feeling of defeat they experienced in Game 2.
