Denver Nuggets outside ace Jamal Murray's shot did not go in at all. In particular, five 3-point shots were attempted, none of which passed the rim.
Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. struggled, but Murray was in a slump. The LA Lakers were not a team that could win without Murray's support.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and D'Angelo Russell attacked inside and outside. In the end, Denver fell behind by 20 points at one point in the third quarter.
However, the LA Lakers could not kill Denver's last breath. A series of failed attacks gave room to chase, and thanks to Jokic's hard work, Denver ended the third quarter by trailing by 10 points, 69-79.
The fateful fourth quarter.
Murray survived. Rather than using unreasonable outside shots, he used a thorough 2-on-2 systematic movement with Jokic. He broke under the goal after receiving a handoff pass. Because Jokic was standing on the outside, Jokic's match-up opponents, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis, had no choice but to check the outside defense. Jokic's 3-point shooting ability is excellent.
This gap was pierced through the bottom of the goal one after another.
In the middle of the fourth quarter, LeBron James made two consecutive 3-pointers to cut off Denver's pursuit. However, Jokic persistently attacked the bottom of the goal. The scene of getting a basket count by breaking through the post-up defense of Davis, one of the best defenders in the league, was a highlight. It was a clear scene that proved why Jokic is the best big man in the game. In the end, Denver succeeded in tying the game with Michael Porter Jr.'s 3-pointer.
The score was tied 95-95 with 1 minute and 15 seconds left in the game.
The LA Lakers, who lost in Game 1, were also desperate. Russell scored 2 points with a bold breakthrough. However, Murray responded with two points on free throws following a foul by LeBron James.
LeBron James took the lead again with a breakthrough, but Murray, who found his shooting sense, responded with a step-back mid jumper. The final attacks of both teams remained. LeBron James shot a 3-pointer, but missed. Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound. Although Denver had time remaining, coach Mike Malone trusted his players and let the game proceed.
Denver's last offensive option wasn't Jokic. Murray caught the ball and moved to the side. Just before the buzzer sounded to end the game, Murray took an exquisite step back and then threw a mid jumper. Davis, who knew he had no choice but to shoot, gave the contest with all his might. Murray's high-angle mid jumper passed through the rim, and the buzzer immediately sounded, signaling the end of the game.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the LA Lakers, 101 to 99, in the second game of the 2023-2024 NBA Western Conference playoff quarterfinals (best of 7 games) held at the Denver Ball Arena on the 23rd (Korean time). It was a thrilling victory that overturned the gap by as much as 20 points.
It was a game where the power of the defending champion was felt. The performance of the LA Lakers, who were at a loss, was not bad. Anthony Davis (32 points, 11 rebounds), LeBron James (26 points, 12 assists), and D'Angelo Russell (23 points) struggled.
For Denver, Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double, including 20-20 (27 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists), Michael Porter Jr. scored 22 points (6 3-pointers), and Jamal Murray scored 20 points. Denver has won all 2 games of this series.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 96-86 and won their second straight game. Donovan Mitchell led the victory with 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Paulo Bankero contributed with 21 points for Orlando.
The New York Knicks, led by Jaylen Brunson (24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Tyrese Maxey (35 points, 35 points, and Joel Embiid (34 points, 10 rebounds)), 104 to 101, and won their second straight win. .
Controversy arose over the decision. Philadelphia is ahead 101-99 with 25.2 seconds left in the game. When Philadelphia attacked at the end line, New York used a strong full-court press. Maxie, who received the pass, was momentarily double-teamed by New York Brunson and Josh Hart. Hart momentarily pulled Maxey's uniform down and held his arms behind his back, causing Maxey to fall to the court. However, the referee did not blow the whistle. In the end, New York, who took over the offense, succeeded in turning the tables with DiVincenzo's 3-pointer.
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