Denver Nuggets fought back from a 20-point deficit to triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Jamal Murray, who had struggled throughout the game, dribbled to the baseline and hit a 16-foot shot over Anthony Davis’ outstretched hand, giving Denver a 2-0 series advantage.
LeBron James briefly put Los Angeles ahead 95-92 with a steal and dunk, but Michael Porter Jr.’s 3-pointer with 1:15 remaining tied the game, setting the stage for Murray’s heroics. Murray sank two free throws and a 20-footer in response to Los Angeles baskets. James then missed a 3-pointer with 16.3 seconds left, paving the way for Murray’s decisive shot.
Nikola Jokic contributed 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Nuggets, who have now defeated the Lakers in 10 consecutive games, including both regular season and postseason encounters. Murray finished with 20 points on 9-for-24 shooting, while Davis had 32 points and 11 rebounds but only managed to score two points in the final 22 minutes. James had 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds.
In the Eastern Conference, Donte DiVincenzo hit the winning 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds left to lift the host New York Knicks over the Philadelphia 76ers 101-99. New York scored the final eight points in the last 28 seconds to secure the victory and take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.
The 76ers came back from an eight-point deficit with a 19-6 run, but Kyle Lowry’s split free throws with 47.3 seconds remaining gave them only a 101-96 lead. New York’s Jalen Brunson, who had previously missed his first five 3-point attempts, made a crucial corner 3-pointer with 27.4 seconds left. Brunson finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Josh Hart had 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks.
Tyrese Maxey had 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds for the 76ers, while Joel Embiid contributed 34 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic 103-82 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Jarrett Allen grabbed a personal playoff-high 20 rebounds. Evan Mobley scored 17 points, and Allen had 16 points for the Cavaliers, who never trailed throughout the game.
Paolo Banchero scored 21 points and Franz Wagner added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Magic, who committed 17 turnovers.
