In a thrilling Game 5 matchup, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs. Despite Jamal Murray scoring 32 points with a strained calf, he sank the game-winner with 3.6 seconds left, eliminating LeBron James and the Lakers from the playoffs once again. This victory was especially sweet for Murray, who had also hit a buzzer beater in Game 2 of the series.
Nikola Jokic had a strong performance with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points to help lead the Nuggets to victory. On the Lakers side, LeBron James finished with 30 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Davis contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds. Davis appeared to be bothered by a shoulder injury in the second half.
The Nuggets will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs, starting next weekend. Denver has a strong home record, being 36-8 in the Western Conference, including 3-0 in the playoffs. Despite facing challenges throughout the series against the Lakers, including trailing for much of the time, the Nuggets managed to come out on top.
This victory marks the 12th win in the last 13 games for the Nuggets against the Lakers. It was only the second time in LeBron James’ playoff career that he was eliminated in the first round, with the first being in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns defeated the Lakers in six games. James, a four-time NBA champion, has an impressive playoff record with 17 trips to the postseason.
Jamal Murray, who was initially questionable due to an injured calf, received medical clearance to play in Game 5. While not as explosive as usual, Murray managed to score 16 points in the first half, giving Denver the lead at halftime. The Lakers briefly held a nine-point lead, but the Nuggets fought back to take the lead going into the fourth quarter. After Murray’s game-winning shot, the Lakers were sent home despite putting up a strong fight in all five games of the series.
