Lakers take Game 2 from the Nuggets as Davis hits three-point buzzer beater
After a solid win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs’ Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers won an emotional Game 2 that was capped off with an Anthony Davis three-point buzzer beater shot with 1.7 seconds left on the clock.
The Lakers managed to acquire double-digit leads multiple times throughout the game that Denver was able to erase. It also helped that the Nuggets were able to come away with six turnovers, while star player Jamal Murray was able to provide 9 points in the third quarter where they outscored the Lakers 28-22.
It was an emotional night for the Lakers, who wore their “Black Mamba” themed jerseys for Game 2. Kobe Bryant was a part of the design process for the jerseys before he tragically passed away earlier this year. The team now wears them in his honor. Both Lebron James and Davis repeatedly used the word “special” in their post-game conference. Not only was it a big shot by Davis to put the Lakers six wins away from the NBA title, but it was a big night for the Lakers organization and their fan base.
Lebron said in his post-game conference, “It was a special moment for a special player.” He then added, “If we were playing at Staples [Center]... it probably would have blown the roof off,” noting the absence of Laker fans, now that they are playing in a “bubble” at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Davis said in his post-game interview, “I want to take those shots. As part of the legacy I want those shots, I want the big time plays... This is what they brought me here for, to make big time plays. Obviously we’re wearing the Mamba jerseys. We never want to lose in these jerseys.” In a viral video since the game ended, Davis can be seen saying “Kobe” after hitting the game-winning shot.
Coming into Game 2, expert analysts didn’t give Denver much of a chance because of what they had endured in the first two rounds of the Western Conference Finals, coming back from separate 3-1 deficits against the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nuggets have earned themselves the moniker “Comeback Kids,” for their impressive comebacks throughout the playoffs, most notably against the title-favorite Clippers.
Both big men, Nikola Jokic and Davis, were forces in Game 2 for their respective teams. Jokic finished with 30 points (including scoring their last 12 points in the final minutes of the 4th quarter), nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals. While Davis finished with 31 points (including his buzzer beater), nine rebounds, and two blocks.
The Lakers will look to close out the series with the next two games coming up on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 24, to move on to the NBA Finals.