Murray’s clutch shots lead Nuggets past Lakers, advance to second round

Jamal Murray’s clutch jumper with 3.6 seconds left in Game 5 propelled the Denver Nuggets past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, securing their series victory by a score of 108-106. This was not just any game winner for Murray – it marked his second buzzer beater this postseason after hitting an equally crucial shot in Game 2 that completed Denver’s impressive comeback against the same opponent earlier in the tournament. In last night’s thriller, both teams swapped leads towards the end of proceedings before Murray drained what would ultimately prove to be the decisive basket. Lakers forward Taurean Prince attempted a long-range prayer at the final buzzer but it fell short of its target.
With Nikola Jokić finishing on 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists alongside Michael Porter Jr.’s contribution of 26 points (including five successful three-point attempts), Denver prevailed over Los Angeles in this pivotal encounter to secure their place in the second round. Here they will meet Anthony Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves, who edged out a similarly crucial first round showdown with Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening courtesy of Karl-Anthony Towns’ buzzer beater.
The Lakers have now lost 12 times in their last fifteen fixtures against the Nuggets including last season’s humiliation in Denver that saw them eliminated from the Western Conference Finals without winning a single game. Despite holding an overwhelming advantage on proceedings, LA once more could not produce effective opposition for Denver in what ultimately amounted to just one series victory after coming out worst this time round (with Jokić being particularly dominant throughout).
James’ individual statistics make for impressive reading: he recorded 30 points alongside a total of eleven assists and nine rebounds, as well as four steals. However, it was not enough on the night to prevent his team from succumbing yet again in this increasingly one-sided rivalry with Denver.
Elsewhere in NBA playoff action last evening, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inspired Oklahoma City Thunder past New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 97-89 as they secured their place in the second round courtesy of a clean sweep against Willie Green’s team – an outcome that leaves them poised to enjoy what will undoubtedly be a thrilling showdown with Phoenix Suns, who themselves are currently locked at one apiece with Dallas Mavericks.
Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in last night’s triumph: he finished the game as joint top scorer alongside Jalen Williams after racking up 24 points to go along with a further ten rebounds and two blocks – a stunning individual display that saw him guide OKC to this momentously crucial result. By contrast, Brandon Ingram scored only eight points despite playing throughout virtually the entire contest as the Pelicans were once more forced into defeat in their absence of injured star Zion Williamson (who is still recovering from foot surgery).
In a separate fixture between Boston Celtics and Miami Heat on Monday evening, Derrick White produced an inspired display for Ime Udoka’s team: he scored 38 points – including eight three-pointers – as the C’s secured their third win in this series to move within touching distance of victory over Erik Spoelstra’s outfit. Tragically, there was some bad news for Boston during proceedings when Kristaps Porziņģis appeared to sustain a calf injury: it remains unclear at present whether or not the Latvian big man will be able to return to action before the series concludes in Miami on Wednesday evening (when his team are aiming to clinch victory and book their place against Philadelphia 76ers).