The Denver Nuggets aren’t just happy to be here. Two 3-1 comebacks and losing by a buzzer-beater should have been enough to prove that, but the Nuggets were ready from the beginning and they were strong-willed enough to withstand a furious Laker rally in the 4th quarter to get on the board in their best-of-seven series. The Lakers lead the series 2-1 after Denver’s 114-106 victory on Tuesday night. LeBron James’ best performance of the series was all for not, as he finished with 30 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in the loss.
The Nuggets nearly blew a 20-point lead in the 4th quarter, thanks to six consecutive turnovers in the 4th and some clutch plays from the Lakers. But the Lakers looked like the comeback attempt took a lot out of them and Murray put on the finishing touches with some slick assists and even more impressive shots. Murray had 28 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds to lead Denver, but Jokic had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while the Nuggets got some major contributions from Jerami Grant, who scored a playoff career-high 26 points.
The Lakers also had a terrible shooting night at an inopportune time, going 6 for 26 from the 3-point line in the loss. They got back into the game with their defense, but the Nuggets showed the poise they’ve displayed the entire postseason under duress to pull out a crucial win. Game 4 is Thursday.
