In a dramatic finish to Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series, Jamal Murray's last-second step-back jumper lifted the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a night of shooting woes, Murray's decisive 16-foot shot over Anthony Davis secured a 2-0 lead for the Nuggets in the series.

Murray, refle

The Nuggets' bench erupted as teammates swarmed Murray in celebration, with Coach Michael Malone praising, "That's the Jamal Murray we know."

The Lakers' Austin Reaves acknowledged the need to replicate Denver's home-court defense, saying, "Now it's our turn to protect home court."

Despite his earlier struggles, Murray ended the game with 20 points. LeBron James and Michael Porter Jr. kept the Lakers competitive, with James' late steal and dunk and Porter's tying three-pointer setting the stage for Murray's climactic shot.

Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double for Denver, while Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 32 points and 11 rebounds, though his scoring slowed in the latter part of the game. D'Angelo Russell's sharpshooting contributed 23 points for Los Angeles.

The Lakers initially held a commanding lead, bolstered by Davis' scoring and a significant third-quarter advantage. However, the Nuggets clawed back, with Jokic's key plays narrowing the gap and setting up a nail-biting fourth quarter.

As the series progresses, the Lakers will look to rebound from this setback and even the score on their home court.