The Los Angeles Lakers officially sit in a 0-2 hole after Jamal Murray’s fourth-quarter explosion led the Denver Nuggets to a 108-103 Game Two win in the NBA Western Conference Finals.
The series will now shift to Game 3 as the Lakers are in a must-win situation, hoping to claw back and win the series. It will be no easy task, as the Lakers will now have to beat the Nuggets four times in the next five games to make the NBA Finals.
The star duo of the Lakers, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, both gave mediocre performances in the game. Despite nearly notching a triple-double, James shot 0-6 from three-point range, including missing three in the crucial fourth quarter. Davis would miss 11 of his 15-shot attempts.
In the postgame, James was looking forward to Game 3. “I think we improved from Game 1 to Game 2, and if we can do the same thing from Game 2 to Game 3, we put ourselves in a position to win.”
Both James and Davis vowed to be better for the 7:30 ET tip at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Also notable was James turning his ankle in the game, but he plans to be ready to play on Saturday. “A little ankle isn’t going to stop me,” James said to ESPN.
For the Nuggets, Murray reflected on his total of 37 points, and enjoyed a moment where he eyed ESPN broadcaster Mike Breen and mouthed his trademark “Bang!”
“When I was little, I used to count down the seconds off the shot clock and make the shot and talk like Marv Albert and Mike Breen,” Murray said. “Just the imagination running as a kid. When you get in that moment and you see your fam in the crowd, see your little brother, see Mike Breen there, all these little reminders, they all pay dividends and make that moment a little more special. Just kind of lock you back in.”
Not to be overlooked, two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic dropped another triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists.
The Denver Nuggets have reached the Western Conference Finals four times in franchise history prior to 2023. And every time they’ve made it, it’s marked the end of their playoff run that year. The first time was in 1978 when they lost to the Seattle SuperSonics. However, on the other three occasions (1985, 2009, 2020), the Nuggets have lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
That meant it was all the more important that Denver won Game 1 against the 2023 Lakers. The Lakers were coming off two giant slaying series, taking down the two-seed Grizzlies and reigning champion Warriors. LeBron, Anthony Davis, and their eclectic supporting cast were hungry and ready to storm back to the NBA Finals.
Heading into halftime, the Nuggets were sitting pretty with an 18-point lead. They had been handling the Lakers well on both ends of the court and would cruise to a blowout win if the trend continued. But the Lakers came out of the break with a brand-new look and the now the Nuggets were scrambling for a response. The lead was down to 14 by the end of the third and a run late in the fourth had the Nuggets up by three. But Denver was able to score some late free throws and come away with a 132-126 victory.
Nikola Jokić was once again the savior of the Nuggets. The MVP runner-up had a 34-point triple-double, with 21 rebounds and 14 assists. It made Jokić the first player in playoff history to have 30-point triple-doubles with 70% shooting in back-to-back games. Jamal Murray also had a 30-point game for Denver, adding 31 to the scoreboard. That along with solid performances elsewhere, was enough to erase the 66 points put up by LeBron and AD, including 40 from Davis alone. What ultimately killed the Lakers was leaving the comeback too late. Furthermore, Dennis Schroder, DeAngelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Lonnie Walker combined for just 20 points on 88 total floor minutes. Denver, who went 34-7 at home during the regular season, will look to extend their lead in Game 2 on Thursday.
Twitter Reacts
So funny how Lakers-Nuggets looks like an All-Star game and Celtics-Heat gonna look like WW1
A win is a win, but if I’m Denver, I treat this like a loss. Lakers really figured something out putting Hachimura on Jokic. That’s one of those somewhat small adjustments that can win a series.
The Los Angeles Lakers were staring down a 20-point lead and an onslaught from Nikola Jokic late in the 3rd quarter. A raucous fourth-quarter comeback attempt made Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and the rest of the series, a must-see as the LakeShow seemed to figure out a strategy but just fell short, 132-126.
Jokic had 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Yes, that’s a real stat line. And Jamal Murray added 31 points to lead the Nuggets. Anthony Davis responded with 40 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. LeBron James added 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, but missed a game-tying 3-pointer late in the game.
But the Lakers appeared to find a new strategy for tackling Jokic late. Switching forward Rui Hachimura onto Jokic allowed Davis to roam the paint and also come over for help, slowing the Denver offense down and allowing the Lakers to claw back in the game.
“You have to switch up matchups at times and you have to switch up coverages,” Ham said. “Gave us a chance to get back into the game.”
The Lakers will now turn their attention to Game 2 when they return to the high altitude of Ball Arena and try to steal a game on the road.
“We’ve got to understand that we’ve got to start from the tip-off. They punched us in the mouth to start.” LeBron on the #Lakers slow start and adjustments down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/CW6jRaLJjr
With the conference semifinals finished, it’s time for an NBA Conference Finals prediction. Only four teams remain in the playoffs as each one searches for a crucial victory to get them to the Finals, where they can taste the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Ironically, these four teams are the exact teams that stood in these positions three years ago during the bubble: Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. It’s been an upset-filled playoff as a seven and eight seed have somehow made it this far. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Ja Morant, De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and others are eliminated, but Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Jayson Tatum remain.
These star players have dragged their teams to the Conference Finals. Many of them are probably exhausted from the work they’ve had to put in to get here. However, as the late, great Kobe Bryant once said: “The job’s not finished.” These teams would like to have two more series and end with a ring to cement their place in history. Here’s which teams will actually be able to do just that.
NBA Conference Finals Prediction: It’s Denver’s Ring To Lose
By most metrics, the Denver Nuggets are the best team remaining. They have arguably the most complete roster. They also have, with ease, the best player left in Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets dispatched Kevin Durant and withstood a historic Devin Booker series to win against the Phoenix Suns in six games. While the Suns were missing Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton in Game 6, the series wasn’t all that difficult for Denver.
On the other side, it’s a miracle that the Lakers are still standing. They took on the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and ousted them, thanks in part to the disrespect Dillon Brooks (who won’t be re-joining the team) showed LeBron James. Waiting next for the Lakers was Steph Curry and the reigning world champions, the Golden State Warriors. They dispatched them in six games without struggling all that much, either.
Can The Lakers’ Magic Continue?
Anthony Davis and LeBron James are possibly a stronger duo than any other team in the league. However, they don’t have the depth to take on Denver. While Anthony Davis is a defensive threat, no one has been able to stop Jokic. Denver has come up short the past few seasons and Jokic has been arguably the best player in the world during that time. They’re due for a championship if there ever was such a thing.
Jokic is the kind of player who can carry a team all the way. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to do it alone. His complementary pieces in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. give them a nice starting lineup. Even Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is playing well. The Lakers have been on a magical run. It’s one that would go down in history if it were to go all the way. Unfortunately, a juggernaut stands in their way once again.
NBA Conference Finals Prediction: Denver Nuggets in seven games
NBA Conference Finals Prediction: Miami’s Luck Runs Out
The Miami Heat have had an impressive run to the Conference Finals. They withstood the play-in tournament to earn the eighth seed. They went on to dismantle the number one-seeded Milwaukee Bucks with relative ease. Jimmy Butler reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the best in the game in the process. They followed it up by dispatching the New York Knicks, too. They enter as major underdogs (+400 to Boston’s -525) in the series.
The Boston Celtics just had one of the more intense and enjoyable (from a fan perspective) series of the entire playoffs. They found themselves down 3-2 to the newly crowned MVP and his Philadelphia 76ers. Boston also trailed late in Game 6. They came back, Jayson Tatum said he was one of the best in the world. He followed that statement up with 51 points in Game 7 (a new Game 7 record) to seal it.
Will Boston Redeem Last Year’s Finals Loss?
The Celtics are a much better team than the Heat. Where the Heat is led by Butler and Bam Adebayo (two admittedly great players), the Celtics are led by two elite players in Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both teams are extremely well-coached and this should be an entertaining series where everyone forgets that Miami is an eight-seed. Still, the Celtics’ talent should win out.
Tatum will be guarded by a top defender in Butler. Humbly, he is one of the best players in the world, though. If he’s being shut down, too, the C’s have other stars that can carry the load. They’re too deep and the Heat are too thin for their unprecedented run to continue. They should be applauded for making it this far, but it likely ends here. Both teams have been to a Finals recently (Boston last year and Miami in 2020 in the bubble). Ultimately, this means talent will win out.
NBA Conference Finals prediction: Boston Celtics in seven games
Cam’ron and Ma$e have been having themselves a great time on their new show, It Is What It Is. Although they had a falling out a while back, they are now friends again. Overall, this has been great news for the hip-hop world. Fans have been excited about a potential new album from these two. However, it seems like they are mainly focused on taking over the sports media world. They have great chemistry on their show, and so far, it has all been a massive success. There is no doubt that they can keep this going for a long time.
That said when you work in the sports media game, you have to make appearances at the games. Otherwise, some may throw your knowledge into question. Having said that Cam’ron and Ma$e decided to pop out at the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets. Last night, the game was in Phoenix, and Game 4 was pivotal for many reasons. If the Suns lost, they would be down 3-1 in the series. However, with a win, they could even it up heading back to Denver.
In the end, Cam’ron and Ma$e got to witness and pretty phenomenal match. Overall, it was the Phoenix Suns who came out on top, despite everything Nikola Jokic tried. Now, the series is tied at two games a piece, and it is anyone’s series. At this point, no one really knows who is going to come through and win. Either way, a trip to the Western Conference Finals is at stake. The winner will either play the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors.
Speaking of that series, perhaps Cam and Ma$e will want to make the trip to L.A. tonight for Game 4. If there is any game they would want to take in, it would be that one. The Lakers have an opportunity to go up 3-1 in the series, which would be a massive achievement. Let us know who you think is taking the NBA Championship this year, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.
Jamal Murray is chomping at the bit heading into the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets guard was sidelined all of last season after a knee injury. Now, Murray wants to make a positive impact on the team after such a long absence. However, it seems the injury bug will not leave Murray alone. Murray has been dealing with a nagging thumb injury on his shooting hand. Although the injury has admittedly bothered Murray. Nuggets fans may have some good news on the way.
Mike Singer of the Denver Post sent out this tweet on Murray’s thumb injury. “Jamal Murray said his thumb is still bothering him and it’s definitely still on his mind when he’s shooting. But he was a full participant today and should be a full go.” It doesn’t seem like the thumb injury will have Murray sidelined when the playoffs begin this weekend. The Nuggets are the number one overall seed in the Western Conference. The team has flexed its dominance all season behind MVP candidate Nikola Jokic.
Jamal Murray Ready For Playoff Push
Jamal Murray said his thumb is still bothering him and it’s definitely still on his mind when he’s shooting. But he was a full participant today and should be a full go.
The team is ready to begin their quest for a title. However, they still don’t know who their first-round opponent will be. The Timberwolves will meet the winner of Thunder-Pelicans to decide the final playoff spot. With all the talks of upsets in the Western Conference, the Nuggets haven’t been mentioned in those discussions. One seeds are not normally sent home in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. However, just ask the Dallas Mavericks. It can be done.
Whoever their opponent may be, the Nuggets will not take them likely. Murray became a playoff superstar during the bubble year. The Nuggets and Jazz gave fans one of the best playoff series of all time that year. So having Jamal Murray at full strength will be massive for the Nuggets. The number one team in the West looks to be as full strength as you can be this late in the season. However, will it be enough for the Nuggets to make the NBA Finals? Give us your predictions on who will win the Western Conference in the comment section. For the latest news involving the NBA Playoffs, keep it right here at HNHH.
A Charles Barkley guarantee isn’t always a good thing. Actually, more often than not, they mean the opposite. Barkley’s guarantees have been known to have a negative effect on the player or team that earns them. Comparatively, Barkley believed that San Diego State would be the winner of the Men’s Final Four. But the Barkley curse hit the Aztecs, and they fell just short. Now, Barkley has his eyes set on some NBA predictions. Look out if your team happens to be on Barkley’s list. However, for those keeping score, it would be in your best interest to place two new bets.
Sir Charles has high hopes for the Denver Nugget and Sacramento Kings. Barkley believes the Kings will earn their first playoff series win in over two decades. The Kings have been one of the more fun teams to follow this season. With their lighting of the beam, it’s hard to root against the Kings. The other team on Barkley’s radar is the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are loaded with talent. Which is why the NBA legend believes they will reach the Western Conference Finals.
Charles Barkley Has Faith In Nuggets And Kings
Charles Barkley GUARANTEES the following:
Sacramento Kings win a playoff series Denver Nuggets get to the conference finals
Barkley likes to have fun with his guarantees. Needless to say, Barkley was all in on the theatrics with his playoff predictions. However, Kings and Nuggets fans may not be too thrilled by his selections. But he can’t be wrong every time, can he? Eventually, everyone gets the correct call. Whatever the case, the NBA Playoffs are just around the corner. The NBA regular season wraps up on Sunday. With the play-in tournament starting on April 11th.
After the play-in tournament, the official field will be set. Sixteen teams will begin their quest to chase the ultimate goal. Teams appearing this season will be the likes of reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors. Fan favorites like the Kings and Bucks. With the potential of historically great franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to make the field. So, who will be the last team standing? Give us your playoff predictions in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the entire NBA right now. Overall, he has won two-straight MVP awards and he is looking to get a third. In the eyes of many, he is the best player in the NBA. Although, there are a lot of people who are still skeptical of his talents. At the end of the day, he has not experienced a ton of playoff success. However, he has a chance to change that this year as the Nuggets are currently first in the Western Conference. They will be in tough against the Suns, although they have a great chance to surprise some people.
At this stage of his career, Jokic has proven to be a triple-double machine. He is great at making passes and facilitating so that his teammates get good shots. Unfortunately, his ability to rack up stats has led to some pretty ridiculous criticism from Kendrick Perkins. A few days ago on First Take, Perkins made the outrageous claim that Jokic was purposely stat-padding. Overall, fans could not believe this assertion. Even Stephen A. Smith was flabbergasted, as was JJ Redick who recently got to respond to Perk.
Nikola Jokic Has Jokes
Reporter: “What does 100 triple-doubles mean to you?”
Nikola Jokic: “When you’re stat padding it’s easy, you know.”
Last night, the Nuggets won another game and Jokic captured yet another triple-double. Interestingly enough, this was the 100th triple-double of Jokic’s career. According to Clutch Points, a reporter decided to ask Jokic about his latest achievement. However, instead of giving a real answer, Nikola Jokic made sure to rub it in the face of Kendrick Perkins. “When you’re stat padding it’s easy, you know,” Jokic said. Clearly, the Nuggets center pays attention to what is being said about him.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Jokic closes out the year. His Nuggets are going to try and sure up that number one seed, while he looks to get another MVP award. However, if he wins his third MVP and the Nuggets don’t get to the Finals, it is going to look a bit funny in the light. Let us know what you think of Jokic’s response to Perkins, in the comments section down below.
Nikola Jokic continues to put his name in rarified air. During a matchup with the Charlotte Hornets, the two-time reigning MVP notched a historic triple-double of 40 points, 27 rebounds, and ten assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 119-115 win.
The triple-double was Jokic’s fifth of the season and 81st for his career. He became the third player in NBA history to have at least 40 points, 25 rebounds, and ten assists in a single game. The others are Wilt Chamberlain, who did it four times, and Elgin Baylor.
According to ESPN, Jokic is the second player to get a forty-point triple-double this season, following Luka Doncic, who has three.
“To be honest, I think it’s because of our defense, and I was just in the right spot to rebound the ball,” Jokic said of the performance. “It’s not that I was grabbing for them or whatever, chasing for them. It just happened, you know? I wish it could be every night, to be honest.”
One fun element of the Phoenix Suns’ postseason run is the way that they’ve added in-arena entertainment when games have taken place in their building. Arizona’s very own Jimmy Eat World had a halftime concert during the conference semifinals, while Tag Team came to Phoenix Suns Arena to remind everyone of their favorite March Madness commercial during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
For Game 2 on Tuesday night, the team extended an invitation to another band from the state: Gin Blossoms. The group best known for heat rocks such as “Follow You Down” and “Hey Jealousy” announced the news earlier in the day, and even made it a point to pay tribute to legendary Suns player Charles Barkley.
Then, I don’t know if you’ve ever had plans before, but you usually have some time to kill before you go do whatever that thing is. So Gin Blossoms used the time to get into it with a fan of the Denver Nuggets, the team that the Suns took down to make it to the conference finals, by repeatedly getting off jokes about the franchise.
Because most Suns things seem to come back to this dude at this point, we even got a “SUNS IN 4” reference out of the band, although this had a slightly tweaked version of the hashtag.
I will be honest: I did not anticipate, at any point in my life, witnessing Gin Blossoms talking trash on the internet because the Phoenix Suns just swept the Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs. But to the victor go the spoils, so go off, Gin Blossoms.
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Sacramento Kings win a playoff series
