The Los Angeles Lakers failed to hold onto their fourth-quarter lead, losing 108-103 to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets back on Tuesday, despite their best efforts. They had no answer for two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic but made things interesting late in the game. Yet, it wasn’t enough, as they fell 132-126. Given that this is the very Lakers team that eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in this playoffs, they would have a get-right game on Thursday night as they tried to tie the series at one game apiece.
Through the first three quarters, it sure did look like the Lakers were going to take Game 2. Entering the fourth quarter, Los Angeles held a 79-76 lead. Unfortunately for them, the Nuggets ran away with it, outscoring the Lakers 32-24 to pick up the 108-103 victory.
LeBron James didn’t have the game that Lakers fans were expecting. When down 103-99 with around 30 seconds remaining, James looked to have a surefire easy bucket on a layup attempt Nuggets’ but missed out on it. While he did hit a two-point shot later on, the game was officially iced when James lost possession of the basketball on a steal by Bruce Brown.
Let’s just say that NBA Twitter didn’t show remorse towards James and the Lakers.
NBA Twitter roasts Lakers after choking in Game 2 vs. Nuggets
One big takeaway from the game was the Lakers’ reliance on three-point shot attempts. They were 8-for-30 on three-point shots in Game 2. James had no luck from behind the arc, going 0-for-6. James hasn’t made a single three-point attempt through the first two games of the Western Conference Finals and has missed his last 19 shots. Not ideal.
Jamal Murray shined for the Nuggets, especially in the fourth quarter. After scoring 14 points while shooting 5-for-17 from the field through the first three quarters, Murray dropped 22 points, making all but one of his seven field goal attempts, per ESPN.
The Lakers will now get to return home and hope that the fans at Crypto.com Arena can bring them some luck. After all, they are a perfect 6-0 at home in this playoff run. But will that be enough to help them get a win against a tough Nuggets team? We’ll find out on Sunday.