Murray scores 37 as Nuggets upend Lakers
Jamal Murray was the knockout closer in Game 2 and his role changed drastically for Game 3.
The Denver star was filling up the basket early and often on Saturday night and scored 30 of his 37 points in the first half, and the Nuggets maintained control of the Western Conference finals with a 119-108 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Murray, who scored 23 points in the fourth quarter of Game 2, carried the momentum into Game 3. He had 17 points in the first quarter and added 13 more in the second.
“If a guy has got it going, we’re going to ride that guy,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.
Nikola Jokic scored 15 fourth-quarter points to help Denver take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The two-time MVP finished with 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The Nuggets are one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. They can clinch Monday night when Game 4 is held in Los Angeles.
“Every game is a must-win I think,” said Jokic, not wanting to engage in any series is over talk. “We came here with a really good
mindset and we played really good.”
The Lakers are aware that no team in NBA history has recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win.
“We got to get one, just get one at a time,” Los Angeles star LeBron James said. “Just focus on Game 4, that’s all you can think about. Obviously, this game is over with.
We had some opportunities and we didn’t come through . ... It’s a one-game series for us.”
Of course, stopping Murray will be a big focus for the Lakers in Game 4. And Murray left the floor yelling that his club has five more wins to go.
“Just trying to keep everyone in the moment,” Murray said. “You need 16 wins to win a championship and we have five more to go. The Lakers are in our way and they’re going to do everything they can to fight. They’re not going to lay down and let us beat them on their home floor.”
Anthony Davis recorded 28 points and 18 rebounds for 7th-seeded LA. James added 23 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, and Austin Reaves had 23 points and seven rebounds.
Davis expressed similar sentiments of those James conveyed.
“Take it one game at a time,” Davis said of the 3-0 hole. “Come Monday, leave it all on the floor and try to get a win . ... That’s all you can really do.”
(Field Level Media/Reuters)