Nuggets’ defense, Jamal Murray’s late outburst choked the Lakers in Game 2

news7g05/19/2023

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Nuggets' defense, Jamal Murray's late outburst choked the Lakers in Game 2

Buchou Ric

FOX Sports NBA Analyst

A lot has been said about Los Angeles Lakers‘ defended in these knockouts, and rightfully so. But Denver nuggets demonstrated on Thursday night that they also have some D in their DNA.

The Nuggets, despite falling 11 points behind, maintained their playoff record at home and took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference final. The Lakers led by three will enter the fourth round, but the combination of Jamal Murray caught fire and the Nuggets disputed nearly every LA shot that gave Denver a 32-24 advantage in the final 12 minutes. Bruce Lee take the ball away from LeBron James when he rushes to court in the final seconds is a fitting favor.

“We pride ourselves on our fourth quarter defense,” Michael Porter Jr. speak.

Murray, after struggling in the first three quarters, hit the big three after finishing late with the highest 37 in the game. Murray missed seven of his first nine thirds but made it four of the fourth, scoring 23 points.

Statistics to know: James suffered 0 to 6 from a 3-point range, including 0 to 4 in the second half.

How to play the game: Murray’s 3 points with 9:21 remaining in the 4th and Nikola Jokić rested on the bench, giving Denver the lead for the first time, 84-83, since the first inning.

Next for Nuggets: Nuggets took a 2-0 lead first phoenix sun and returned to Denver with a series of draws. Coach Mike Malone thinks his team forgot to prepare the defense for the trip. Playing at the level of defense they showed in Game 2 will be key to their chance in Los Angeles.

Next for the Lakers: The team’s two biggest stars, James and Anthony Davis, was overwhelming. Davis missed 11 of his 15 shots for a quiet 18 and James fumbled the ball out of bounds in a breakthrough effort and saved a late-game reversal. They had to be the bigger factor in Game 3. Highlights: Rui Hachimura make eight out of 10 for 21 points.

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Ric Bucher is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. He has previously written for Bleacher Report, ESPN The Magazine and The Washington Post and has written two books, “Rebound,” about NBA forward Brian Grant’s battle with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, and “Yao: A Life In Two Worlds.” He also has a daily podcast, “On The Ball with Ric Bucher.” Follow him on Twitter @Ric Bucher.