The Denver Nuggets took a 2-0 lead on the LA Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs after taking their second home game in dramatic fashion, 101:99.
The champions trailed by 20 points in the second half but managed to make a complete turnaround. Jamal Murray, who made a buzzer beater, became a hero for the Nuggets. Murray missed 13 of his first 16 shots, but he didn't flinch in his decisive performance that gave Denver the important win. He finished with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Nikola Jokic was everywhere and scored a triple-double – 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Porter Jr. had 22 points and 9 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon and Christian Brown contributed 14 and 10, respectively.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis finished with a double-double - 32 points and 11 rebounds, and LeBron James had 26 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists. D'Angelo Russell added 23 points, but the Californians were not able to hold onto their lead and will have to make up for a 0-2 deficit after the first two games in Denver. Game number 3 of the series is in the Lakers' home building.
Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks also achieved second victories at home. The Cavaliers made no mistake against the Orlando Magic and after a solid defensive game won 96:86, while the New Yorkers prevailed over the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid 104:101 after trailing by five points with 30 seconds left. /BGNES
