Murray breaks out of slump
Nuggets tie series vs Spurs as Raptors, Magic prevail
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Jamal Murray led a dramatic late fightback as the Denver Nuggets scored a series-levelling 114-105 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in their Western Conference playoff duel.
Murray, who had missed a potentially game-winning jump shot in Denver’s defeat in Game 1 on Saturday, erupted for 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets grabbed a vital win in Denver.
The 22-year-old Canadian, who had looked out of sorts throughout, made eight of nine field goal attempts in the fourth quarter to tie the series at 1-1 ahead of Game 3 in San Antonio on Thursday.
Nuggets head coach Mike Malone said he had never doubted Murray’s ability to deliver despite scoring only three points in the opening three quarters. Benching Murray for the final period was never an option, Malone added.
“I was going with him,” Malone said. “It’s so important for all of our
guys, but especially for Jamal. He’s a young player, out there struggling trying to play the right way. I didn’t foresee the fourth quarter he was going to have, but I knew in my heart he needed these minutes. He needed to be out there.
“And I needed to show him that I believe in him. If I pulled him, he’s thinking ‘Does coach really believe in me? Does he have my back?’ So I had to stay with him. Make or miss, he’s our guy. I care about him. He came through in a big way.’’
Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard scored 37 points and Pascal Siakam delivered a double-double as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 111-82 to level their Eastern Conference series.
The Raptors, who were jolted by a shock defeat in Game 1 on Saturday, came roaring back to dominate the Magic throughout on their way to a comfortable win.
In the other playoff game, the Portland Trail Blazers took a stranglehold on their series with Oklahoma City Thunder, forging into a 2-0 lead with a one-sided 114-94 win.
C.J.McCollum and Damian Lillard once again shepherded the Blazers to victory. McCollum finished with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Lillard added 29 points, four rebounds and six assists.