The Denver Nuggets clinched a dramatic 108-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs on Monday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This win secured the series 4-1 for the Nuggets, propelling them into the Western Conference semifinals where they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The tension peaked with the game tied at 106-106 and just 26.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Jamal Murray, the Nuggets’ dynamic guard, took control of the crucial play. Dribbling to the right wing, he faced defensive pressure from Austin Reaves. Simultaneously, center Nikola Jokic engaged in a tussle with Anthony Davis near the free-throw line, creating a pivotal moment in the play.
Jokic executed a deceptive move, feigning an inward drive before swiftly setting a screen for Murray. While the screen didn’t entirely block Reaves, it provided Murray with enough of an opening to penetrate the defense. Davis, mindful of Jokic’s potential threat rolling toward the basket, hesitated to switch onto Murray.
Murray seized the opportunity, driving towards the basket as Reaves struggled to recover. Launching a shot just beyond Reaves’ reach, Murray watched as the ball sailed through the hoop, giving the Nuggets a 108-106 lead with only 3.6 seconds left on the clock.
With no timeouts remaining, the Lakers were unable to formulate a final response, and the Nuggets sealed the victory. This win not only demonstrates the Nuggets’ strategic execution under pressure but also sets the stage for an exciting semifinal matchup against the Timberwolves.
