Jamal Murray’s Late Heroics Advance Nuggets, End Lakers’ Playoff Run

The Denver Nuggets clinched a nail-biting 108-106 victory in Game 5 on Monday night, a contest marked by 16 lead changes and 10 ties, culminating in a dramatic NBA playoff finish as Taurean Prince‘s halfcourt attempt missed at the buzzer.

Jamal Murray fought through a strained calf and management’s caution to sit out, delivering a spectacular performance with 32 points, including a game-winning shot that ended the Lakers’ season and propelled the Nuggets into the Western Conference Semifinals, slated for a matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Shout-out to the Lakers, they gave us a great series,” Murray said. “Those are shots that you dream of as a little kid,” he reflected, adding that this latest buzzer-beater was “a little better.”

Murray’s determination to play, despite advice to the contrary due to his injury, was pivotal.

“I came in a little earlier today to see if I was going to be able to go, and I felt like I could and they just didn’t want me to risk it,” Murray recounted.

His resolve not to let his teammates down was clear: “They told me no. And I didn’t say no. I didn’t want to leave my teammates out there,” he continued, emphasizing the team’s collective struggle and his unwillingness to be sidelined.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised Murray’s resilience, saying, “That kid’s a warrior, man. The bigger the moment, the kid continues to shine.”

The game was tight until the very end, with LeBron James tying the score at 106 with two free throws before Murray’s decisive play.

Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. also had significant contributions with near triple-doubles and 26 points, respectively, while the Lakers saw strong performances from James, who had 30 points and 11 assists, and Anthony Davis, who battled through discomfort to add 17 points and 15 rebounds.

“I was knocking down shot (after) shot. I’ve done that my whole career,” Porter said.

Malone praised the impact Porter provided with his timely shot-making not just in this game but throughout the whole series, stating, “Michael Porter’s offense in this series was incredible. Buckets were hard to come by but Michael hit some timely shots. And when he didn’t have his shot, he was able to get downhill and get pressure on the rim.”

As the Nuggets set their sights on the Timberwolves in the next round, James acknowledged the quality of their opponents.

“First of all, tip your hat to them,” James said. “Defending champions. They’re a great team. Super-well coached and made the plays down the stretch to win the series. You give credit where credit is due, that’s for sure.”

The Nuggets have faced challenges throughout the series, contending with shooting slumps and physical wear. Jokic is focused on looking ahead to Minnesota.

“Definitely I didn’t want to play Thursday,” Jokic said. “But if you ask me, I would like to play Minnesota in two or three days. I don’t like five days off. My body thinks it’s a rest.”

Yet, with a strong home record, they emerged victorious, ready to take on their next challenge in Denver. Lakers coach Darvin Ham reflected on his team’s resilience despite the series outcome.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our crew despite everything that happened,” Ham said said. “Obviously, the series didn’t go in our favor, didn’t start the way we wanted it to, but to win that one at home, fight tooth and nail today to get this one, our guys showed a lot of guts and a lot of character.”

The Nuggets hope to continue their championship defense with the same tenacity that saw them through a tough series against the Lakers as they prepare for a demanding second-round matchup.