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Nuggets Stun Lakers With Murray's Buzzer-Beater In Comeback Win

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

In a thrilling turn of events, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff series. The Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray's buzzer-beating heroics, erased a 20-point deficit to take a 2-0 series lead.

Murray's clutch 15-foot step-back jumper as time expired sealed the victory for Denver, marking their first lead since the early minutes of the game. The Nuggets' resilience was on full display as they secured their 10th consecutive win over the reigning NBA champions.

The game-winning shot capped off a stellar performance by Murray, who finished with 20 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon contributed 22 and 14 points, respectively.

Despite a strong start by the Lakers, who held a 59-44 halftime lead and extended it to 68-48 early in the second half, the Nuggets never wavered. They steadily chipped away at the deficit, ultimately tying the game at 95-all before Murray's late-game heroics.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, supported by LeBron James' 26 points and D'Angelo Russell's 23 points, including a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers. However, it was Murray's clutch performance that stole the show and secured the victory for Denver.

The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3, with the Nuggets holding a commanding 2-0 lead. The dramatic finish in Game 2 will undoubtedly fuel anticipation for the upcoming matchups between these two powerhouse teams.

Both teams displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the game, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their playoff series. The Nuggets' stunning comeback serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

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