The Denver Nuggets now trail the Los Angeles Lakers 2-1 following a 114-106 win in the Western Conference finals.
The Nuggets were inspired by impressive performances from Jamal Murray and Jerami Grant, who scored 28 and 26 points, respectively.
They have now cut the deficit in the best-of-seven series, while the Lakers’ six-game winning streak has also now ended.
This was despite an explosive output from LeBron James, who scored 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said the win shows that they are still in contention and give the Lakers a run for their money.
“We’re in this series. We let them know we’re not going anywhere. That’s what you guys have done this whole post-season,” he told his players.
The Nuggets are back in this series. https://t.co/AsvHCQ68hU
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 23, 2020
“That’s why everybody is rooting for us. Keep on showing that grit and resilience and playing for each other.”
Meanwhile, James admitted the Nuggets were the better side after the Lakers failed to capitalise after closing the gap to 99-96 in the final quarter.
“We turned the ball over too much and we put them on the free-throw line,” the 35-year-old observed.
“I give credit where credit is due. They played better than us. They were more aggressive than us for three quarters.”
