For the second time in four games, Jamal Murray hit a game-winning shot to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers. This time, Murray’s shot sent Los Angeles home for the summer.
Denver’s star guard was questionable leading into Game 5 as he dealt with a calf injury. Ultimately, Murray was able to convince team management that he should play — the team recommended that he sit out — and he put together his best performance of the series. Overall, Murray scored 32 points.
“I came in a little earlier today to see if I was going to be able to go, and I felt like I could and they just didn’t want me to risk it,” said Murray. “They told me no. They told me no. And I didn’t say no. I didn’t want to leave my teammates out there. We’ve been battling all season. Everybody’s hurt at some point, everybody’s going through something, and I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I wasn’t able to play this game. I’m just glad they listened to me — and listened to me listening to my body — and just trusting me with it.”
Murray became the first player in 25 years to hit multiple go-ahead shots with five seconds or less remaining in the game. For the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis once again led the way. James finished with 30 points and 11 assists, while Davis posted 17 and 15 while dealing with an injured shoulder. Murray was complimentary of Los Angeles following the game.
“Shoutout to the Lakers, they gave us a great series,” said Murray.
While the Nuggets will advance to take on the 3-seed Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers now enter the offseason with a few big questions: 1) Will LeBron James return to the team? and 2) Will Darvin Ham be fired?
