In an exciting Sport 5 matchup, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 to advance to the second spherical of the NBA playoffs. Regardless of Jamal Murray scoring 32 factors with a strained calf, he sank the game-winner with 3.6 seconds left, eliminating LeBron James and the Lakers from the playoffs as soon as once more. This victory was particularly candy for Murray, who had additionally hit a buzzer beater in Sport 2 of the collection.
Nikola Jokic had a powerful efficiency with 25 factors, 20 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly lacking a triple-double. Michael Porter Jr. added 26 factors to assist lead the Nuggets to victory. On the Lakers facet, LeBron James completed with 30 factors and 11 assists, whereas Anthony Davis contributed 17 factors and 15 rebounds. Davis gave the impression to be bothered by a shoulder damage within the second half.
The Nuggets will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves within the second spherical of the playoffs, beginning subsequent weekend. Denver has a powerful house document, being 36-8 within the Western Convention, together with 3-0 within the playoffs. Regardless of dealing with challenges all through the collection in opposition to the Lakers, together with trailing for a lot of the time, the Nuggets managed to come back out on high.
This victory marks the twelfth win within the final 13 video games for the Nuggets in opposition to the Lakers. It was solely the second time in LeBron James’ playoff profession that he was eradicated within the first spherical, with the primary being in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns defeated the Lakers in six video games. James, a four-time NBA champion, has a powerful playoff document with 17 journeys to the postseason.
Jamal Murray, who was initially questionable as a consequence of an injured calf, obtained medical clearance to play in Sport 5. Whereas not as explosive as common, Murray managed to attain 16 factors within the first half, giving Denver the lead at halftime. The Lakers briefly held a nine-point lead, however the Nuggets fought again to take the lead going into the fourth quarter. After Murray’s game-winning shot, the Lakers have been despatched house regardless of placing up a powerful battle in all 5 video games of the collection.