James Worthy On Lakers Losing Game 2 Against Nuggets: 'They Lacked Killer Instinct'

The Lakers fell to a 99-101 loss to the Nuggets last night, courtesy of Jamal Murray capping off a 12-point fourth-quarter performance with an incredible buzzer-beater over Anthony Davis. The Lakers enjoyed a 20-point lead in the third quarter before the Nuggets whittled it down to 10 heading into the fourth before sealing the win.

This was the Lakers' 10th consecutive loss to the Nuggets over the last two seasons and the sixth consecutive playoff loss. The game has become contentious over the question of refereeing, but the Lakers have to hold themselves accountable for squandering a 20-point advantage against a team that's regularly outclassed you in the fourth quarter. 

Two blown double-digit leads in consecutive games on the road is a tough pill to swallow, but the Lakers have no choice but to come out in Game 3 with renewed focus to ensure they avoid another sweep.

Michael Malone Broke Down The Secret To The Nuggets Success

Worthy rightfully criticized the lack of composure the Lakers showed in the fourth quarter, collapsing in the face of pressure and being unable to respond after dominating most of the contest.

The Nuggets stayed sure that they would emerge victorious, with coach Michael Malone revealing he trusted his team's championship instincts and experience to know they would be fighting until the end.

"It speaks to a team that has tremendous confidence in themselves, and most importantly, the collective. We're the reigning champs. We might get down 20 points but we're not going to roll over. That's not who we are, that's not who I am, and that's never been a part of Denver Nuggets basketball in the last nine years. It speaks to guys trusting the process, sticking with it, making the necessary adjustments, and guys stepping up."

LeBron James took accountability for the loss, saying that 20-point leads aren't safe in the modern NBA and that the Lakers didn't capitalize on the chances they got to seal the game.

"We know they are a great offensive-power team. We know they're going to get into a rhythm at some point, we know they're gonna make runs, especially on the home floor. We just have to withstand it, and I think we didn't. 20-point leads in this league is not safe, especially against the defending champion. We gotta do better with that. We had our chances."

Opportunities like stealing home-court from the higher seed don't come around often, so the Lakers will lament this game more than any of their recent losses to the Nuggets. If they don't have a response prepared for Game 3, we can already start forecasting who the Nuggets will face in the second round as the Lakers face an offseason of question marks.