Jamal Murray’s Clutch Shot Stuns Lakers, Exposes Late-Game Woes
In a thrilling NBA playoff matchup, Jamal Murray etched his name into history with a game-winning stepback jumper over Anthony Davis, propelling the Denver Nuggets to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers, who had held a comfortable 10+ point lead, watched their advantage evaporate in stunning fashion, marking the second consecutive game in which they faltered in the clutch.
FS1 analyst Skip Bayless seized upon the Lakers’ misfortune to criticize LeBron James, questioning the 4x Finals MVP’s ability to perform under pressure. Bayless pointed to James’ missed three-pointer with 16.9 seconds remaining, arguing that it revealed a lack of “clutch gene” compared to legendary players like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
Paul Pierce, another former NBA champion, echoed Bayless’ concerns, emphasizing the Lakers’ recurring struggles to close out games. While praising Anthony Davis’ impressive 32-point performance, Pierce lamented his failure to deliver in crunch time.
Pierce’s observations highlight a larger pattern for the Lakers, who faced similar late-game meltdowns during the 2023 Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets, led by Murray’s clutch plays, capitalized on the Lakers’ inability to maintain their lead, resulting in a 0-4 sweep.
As the Lakers face the prospect of another embarrassing playoff exit, they must confront their late-game execution problems. Murray’s game-winning shot serves as a stark reminder of the team’s deficiencies and the need for immediate improvement, lest they repeat their disastrous performance from last season.
