In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
In an NBA playoff sequence, Game 2 is often the forgotten recreation. A series often wants a location change earlier than daring predictions are made. After dominating the Los Angeles Lakers for many of Game 1, the Denver Nuggets’ fourth-quarter efficiency left a lot to be desired in a victory that they virtually let slip away. A Game 7-like depth permeated all through Game 2, and it was Jamal Murray’s excellence that allowed the Nuggets to flee with a 2-0 sequence lead.
(*3*)
The Lakers’ go-to gamers didn’t present a lot on offense all through the sport. Anthony Davis shot 26.7 p.c from the sphere, and LeBron James got here up brief on a number of photographs close to the rim. However, the success that the Lakers had in opposition to Nikola Jokić within the fourth quarter of Game 1, they introduced all of it night time on Thursday.
I haven’t seen Jokić look that hesitant on a basketball court docket because the Nuggets’ bubble Western Conference Finals loss to the Lakers three years in the past, and these final 5 quarters have been a lot worse. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Jokić went 0-2 from the sphere with two turnovers. The two-time NBA MVP shot 42.9 p.c from the sphere in Game 2, and went 3-for-11 from the sphere within the second half. The Lakers threw the kitchen sink at Jokić and had been profitable.
Jamal Murray goes off within the 4th quarter
However, the fourth quarter bought out of hand for the Lakers shortly. The Nuggets modified their fourth-quarter rotation by opening with Jokić and Murray on the ground. Murray performed the complete second half after struggling from the sphere for 3 quarters. His early Game 1 vibes again when the Nuggets set a playoff-franchise file for complete factors via three quarters, he bought these again within the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hung 23 factors on the Lakers throughout that interval.
With Jokić handcuffed, the Nuggets couldn’t have gained this recreation with out Murray’s offense. A participant who has some series-tipping postseason performances underneath his belt. During the 2020 NBA Playoffs bubble, the decide and roll between him and Jokić was predictable however — after falling 3-1 within the second spherical — it additionally put out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Los Angeles Clippers of their first season collectively.
The Nuggets had been strong the next season, however Murray suffered a torn ACL in his proper knee two and a half weeks earlier than the top of the common season. That damage occurred on April 12, 2021. He didn’t play once more till the 2022-23 season, however the Nuggets nonetheless labored him again into his function steadily. While being load managed all through the common season, he nonetheless needed to miss six consecutive video games in February on account of irritation in his left knee.
During the 2022-23 common season, Murray’s statistics took a noticeable drop from his 2020-21 peak, however in his final 4 playoff video games, he has performed like top-of-the-line guards within the NBA. Murray shot higher than 50 p.c from the sphere in every of the ultimate two video games of the Nuggets’ second-round sequence in opposition to the Phoenix Suns, and in Game 1 in opposition to the Lakers. He managed solely a 45.8 field-goal proportion in Game 2, however the motive it was that prime was on account of his 85.7 p.c from the sphere within the fourth quarter.
Combine that with late-game effort on protection that ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy observed — whereas James and Anthony Davis struggled all night time from the sphere — and the Nuggets went from trailing for many of the second half to taking the lead for good on the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Win or lose, this sequence is probably going going to function Jokić’s introduction to America as top-of-the-line skilled athletes employed on this nation. But with out Murray’s excellence, the Nuggets are, at minimal, in a precarious 1-1 place heading to Los Angeles. Instead, Murray has his group within the catbird seat even with the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP struggling.
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