Two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic is enjoying a historic postseason but teammate Jamal Murray can be cited as the prime reason the Denver Nuggets are just two victories away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time.
The Nuggets can move closer to the elusive milestone on Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. You can watch all the action on Sportsnet and SN NOW, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.
Murray’s explosive fourth-quarter performance fueled Thursday’s 108-103 win to give Denver a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series.
He poured in 23 of Denver’s 32 fourth-quarter points on 6-of-7 shooting, including four 3-pointers, as the Nuggets held off the Lakers. Murray finished with a game-high 37 points.
Stream the NBA on SN NOW
Livestream 40-plus regular season Toronto Raptors games, marquee matchups from around the association, select NBA Playoffs games, the NBA Draft and summer league action on SN NOW.
CHOOSE PLAN
The game wasn’t going Murray’s way over the first three quarters as he made just five of 17 shots and Denver trailed by three points entering the final period.
“I think he was amazing,” Jokic said. “Yes, maybe in the first half he struggled to make shots, but when it mattered the most, he made shots and he won us the game, basically.”
Murray is averaging 34 points in the series. He scored 31 in Denver’s 132-126 victory in Game 1.
After Game 2, he said the subpar shooting over the first three quarters wasn’t even a burden.
“For those who have seen me play before, after a shooting half like that, I normally like to reset, come back down, reset my mind, (do a) quick little meditation in my head and just come back out focused,” Murray said. “The game would’ve been a lot easier if I made them the first half. Just come out focused and knock them down, don’t lose any confidence or anything like that.”
Jokic contributed 23 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists for his seventh triple-double of this postseason and his 13th in his playoff career. Only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28) have more.
One thing not sitting well with the Nuggets is that the plight of the seventh-seeded Lakers remains the national narrative — not the top-seeded team that has beaten them twice so far.
“No one talked about Nikola had a historic performance (in Game 1),” Denver coach Michael Malone said. “He’s got 13 triple-doubles now, third all-time. What he’s doing is just incredible. But the narrative wasn’t about the Nuggets, the narrative wasn’t about Nikola. The narrative was about the Lakers and their adjustments.”
Los Angeles certainly has a lot of adjustments to make if it plans to make a run in the series.
And in the eyes of LeBron James, Game 3 must result in a Lakers victory.
“We still got to play with the same desperation as we did (Thursday),” James said. “We came out with an ‘L’ but (it) doesn’t give us any more comfort. We can’t go into any postseason game with comfort, just because you either haven’t lost at home or you’re going back home. I think it’s even more you got to be on edge because when you go home, you get in your own bed, get around your family, everybody’s being cool and jolly and everything.
“Nah, you got to be even more on edge when you go home.”
James twisted an ankle late in Game 2 but insists the ailment is minor and that he will play Saturday.
James scored 22 points in Game 2 but missed all six of his 3-point attempts. Anthony Davis had just 18 points in Game 2. shooting 4-for-15, after pouring in 40 in Game 1.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham still views the series as winnable because his club is undefeated at home in the postseason at 6-0.
“They’re like us, they’re undefeated at home,” Ham said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge. A hard, hard one at that. And we said it before we even played one game, we got to buckle in and buckle up, buckle down and buckle up because we planned for this to be a long series.”
Austin Reaves (22.5 points per game) and Rui Hachimura (19.0) are playing well for Los Angeles in the series.
More from Sportsnet
‘He was special’: Canada’s Murray explodes in fourth as Nuggets go up 2-0 on Lakers
Nuggets’ Jokic, Murray know they need title to get recognition of other duos
Associated Press
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/canadian-murray-prime-reason-nuggets-dominating-lakers-heading-into-game-3/
By: Associated Press
Title: Canadian Murray prime reason Nuggets dominating Lakers heading into Game 3
Sourced From: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/canadian-murray-prime-reason-nuggets-dominating-lakers-heading-into-game-3/
Published Date: 05-20-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented basketball
While the origins of basketball are not known, many believe that James Naismith invented it in 1891, while he was a teacher at Springfield College, now the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Training School. Naismith established the basics of the game and then nailed a basket with peaches onto an elevated track. He broke his class down into nine teams, and then began to teach his new game "Basket Ball" to his students. The original version featured a soccerball, two peach baskets and a gymnasium. Players were limited to shooting at the basket from below, and goaltending was not yet part of the game. The game spread rapidly across America. In the early 1900s, professional basketball teams were playing in large arenas. It is today one of the most loved sports in the world.
Who did the first basket in NBA basketball?
Ossie Schectman was an American professional basketball player who scored the first basket in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which would later become the National Basketball Association (NBA). On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies defeated the New York Knickerbockers to score the basket. Schectman scored the historic first basket that opened the BAA's inaugural year.
What is Bird Rights in NBA
"Bird rights" is a term used in the NBA to describe a policy that allows certain players to be signed by their current team for more than any other team can offer. This rule is named in honor of Larry Bird, an ex-player with the Boston Celtics. If a player has been on the team's roster for more than three years, the salary cap limit can be exceeded to allow a team to sign another player. Bird rights allow players the opportunity to keep their place on the same team, and to receive a greater salary than they could have received from any other team.
How long does it take to become an NBA superstar?
To become a true professional NBA star, it takes a lot of dedication and time. To become a NBA superstar requires years of hardwork, physical conditioning, skill development, and years of dedication. On average, most players spend between three and five years in college honing their skills before they can make it into the draft. After being drafted, players need to continue their success in the NBA. They must earn a spot on their team and be eligible for All-Star teams. To do so, players must receive professional guidance and training from coaches. Ultimately, becoming an NBA superstar is not something that happens overnight or within a few short years. These accolades are only possible with dedication, dedication, and perseverance. With the right mindset and determination, however, anyone can reach their goals and become an NBA superstar!
Which NBA player is the best defender?
If you are familiar with basketball, it is not surprising to see "The Dream", at number one on this list. Hakeem Olajuwon was a 18-year veteran of the NBA and blocked 3,830 shots. That's more than any other player. He was also a 9-time All-Defensive player and 2-time DPOY, leading his team to win two NBA Championships. He was a formidable defender. His quickness, timing, athleticism and footwork allowed him to be an exceptional shot blocker, rebounder, and runner. He was an opponent's nightmare because of his ability to defend any position on the court. Not only was he a formidable defensive player, but he was also a top offensive player. He was quick and agile with a great array of spin moves. This allowed him score in the post. His all-around versatility made him one of the best players, let alone defenders. It is clear that Hakeem Olajuwon should be on this list.
Bill Russell barely makes #2 on this list due to his average of 15.1 ppg, but he was the best defender during his era and gave opposing teams nightmares. Bill Russell, who has 11 NBA Championships and the highest defensive win share in NBA history (133.64), is a true legend. He was integral to the Boston Celtics' amazing success. His defense prowess and rebounding skills were critical to their championship victories. His ability for anticipating plays and understanding the strategies of his opponents made them an intimidating presence on the court. He is widely considered to be the NBA's most decorated defender.
Third on the list is Dennis Rodman. He was one of the unique players in the history of the NBA and always made an impact when he played. Rodman played tough defence, rebounded well, and didn't need the ball to score, which allowed his team win often. Dennis Rodman was a seven time Rebounding Champ and an eight-time All Defensive Player. He was also a 2-time DPOY and a five-time NBA Champion. His defensive end tenacity was exceptional, and he always seemed in the right place at just the right time. He was also an exceptional rebounder. He out-jumping taller players and taking boards from them.
Which is the greatest basketball player ever?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. Some of the top contenders would be Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar or Magic Johnson. Each of these basketball icons has made a huge impact on the game and have earned their place as legends in basketball history. Furthermore, these players have each had unique styles of play that have been admired by millions worldwide. It is difficult to answer this question definitively as everyone has their opinion about the greatest player of all. These six players are undoubtedly the best players of all time and must be included in any list ranking the greatest.
But, the majority of people agree that Michael Jordan truly is the greatest basketball player of all-time. He was born on February 17th 1963 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Jordan began his professional basketball journey with the Chicago Bulls back in 1984. He quickly rose to fame and became a successful player. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a double Olympic gold medal winner. He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2009. Jordan's remarkable ability to score from any position on the court, make plays and lead the team is what will be remembered. Due to his relentless drive and ambition, Jordan will be remembered as an inspiration to millions across the globe.
Jordan's legacy is sure to last forever. He is the undisputed best basketball player of all-time. Jordan is the only player who can match his level of accomplishment. He will be forever remembered as one among the greatest sports figures ever. Michael Jordan is without doubt the greatest sportsman of all time. His incredible career and achievements will never be forgotten. He was, remains, and always will remain "The GOAT," Michael Jordan.
Statistics
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
External Links
nba.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
sbnation.com
si.com
How To
Are NBA players paid when injured?
Guaranteed contracts allow NBA players to keep their money even if they are injured or unable to play. Some have even made millions of dollars without ever playing a single game. However, they may lose out on bonus payments and their contract might not be renewed. Non-guaranteed players will not typically receive any pay until their health allows them to return to the NBA. However, the NBA can help with payments for disability or a lump amount settlement for those who meet the criteria. There is no guarantee that you will get paid if you are injured. On a case by case basis, leagues and teams can assist those in financial need.
Through the Injury Disability Plan, assistance can also be provided by teams. It ultimately depends on the individual and their team's circumstances. Some players might be able negotiate a buyout with the teams in order to receive money for their absence due to injury. Although there are no guarantees regarding payment, players should understand that the league and their team can assist them. Each situation should be considered as an individual. The NBA has extensive rules concerning injuries and payments in the event of injury absences. This can be helpful for players to make financial decisions or reach an agreement with teams. It is essential to consult with a professional if any questions or concerns arise.
