DENVER — Jamal Murray sank a 15-foot step-back jumper at the buzzer and the Denver Nuggets wiped out a 20-point second-half deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 Monday night and take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.
Murray’s fadeaway, falling-down winner provided the Nuggets with their first lead since 5-3 in the opening minutes and gave the reigning NBA champions their 10th consecutive win over the Lakers. It was the third winning buzzer-beater in a 20-point comeback in the past 25 NBA playoffs.
The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 Thursday night.
Murray’s winning shot came after LeBron James misfired from long range with 16 seconds left and the game tied at 99.
Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound with 13 seconds left and the Nuggets didn’t call a timeout.
Instead, Murray took the ball to the right side with Anthony Davis guarding him, stepped back and swished the basket just as the buzzer sounded. Both Murray and Davis fell into the Nuggets’ bench as the sellout crowd’s roar shook Ball Arena.