Nuggets secure 2-0 lead in Western Conference finals with remarkable comeback win

Author: Monojit Mandal

Lakers 103 – 108 Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets showed their determination in a thrilling contest, pulling off a miraculous come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Lakers to establish a dominant 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. Jamal Murray was the highlight of the game, scoring 37 points, 23 of which in a spectacular display in the fourth quarter.

Murray struggled to establish his flow in the first three quarters, missing 12 of his 17 attempts. He promptly reversed the situation in the fourth quarter, hitting 6 of 7, including three critical three-pointers. His scoring brilliance sparked a 15-1 run that put the Nuggets ahead 96-84. Despite the Lakers’ best efforts, Murray secured the win.

Unfortunately, the Lakers’ Bruce Brown stole the ball out of Murray’s hands and ran out the crucial clock in the final seconds. Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic had another outstanding game, achieving his 13th triple-double of the post-season with 23 points, 17 rebounds and a vital 12 assists. This win brings the Nuggets one step closer to reaching the NBA Finals, a great achievement for the team.

This win increases the Nuggets’ already impressive home record to 41-8, the best in the NBA, including an undefeated record in the postseason. For the Lakers, LeBron James and Austin Reaves scored 22 points, with Rui-Hachimura securing 21 points off the bench. Anthony Davis also contributed 18 points to the Lakers’ effort, following up his 40-point outburst in the first game of the series. Due to his excellent defense in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ recent setback, many assumed that coach Darvin Ham would start the game with Hachimura to try to limit Jokic’s effect. However, Hachimura was called off the bench once again.

Ham had a great night, hitting a critical three-pointer and a jump shot to spark a 9-0 run at the start of the second session. Despite a poor start from James and Davis, Ham’s efforts put the Lakers in a good position. The duo was held to just two points in the first quarter.

The series will now be played at the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers have an undefeated 8-0 record in the playoffs. Game 3 is offering another exciting battle between these two great clubs.