Lakers’ LeBron James Expresses Frustration with Officiating and Replay Center in Game 2 Loss to Nuggets

In a stunning turn of events at Ball Arena, Jamal Murray delivered a buzzer-beater that propelled the Denver Nuggets to a remarkable 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Overcoming a daunting 20-point deficit, the Nuggets now find themselves in a commanding position with a 2-0 series lead.

In a breathtaking display of resilience, Jamal Murray sank a buzzer-beater, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a stunning 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. This remarkable comeback allowed the Nuggets to secure a commanding 2-0 series lead. After the loss, a visibly shocked LeBron James described the game as heart-wrenching, acknowledging the disappointment of losing in such a fashion.

Throughout the majority of the game, the Lakers maintained their lead, even establishing a substantial 20-point advantage early in the third quarter. However, true to their nature as defending champions, the Lakers fought back and managed to narrow the deficit to 10 points by the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets’ two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, took command, leading his team to tie the game with just over a minute remaining. The contest showcased the Nuggets’ resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

LEBRON IS EVERYWHERE pic.twitter.com/kIeb9WCskl

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024

In a back-and-forth battle, both teams traded baskets as the tension mounted. With 16 seconds left on the clock, LeBron James attempted a crucial three-pointer but missed, opening the door for Jamal Murray to seize the opportunity and complete the remarkable comeback for the Nuggets.

Heartbreaker pic.twitter.com/E4pf5SPq0T

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024

“Jamal Murray hit a tough shot,” said a disappointed Lakers head coach Darvin Ham after the game. “Fading away towards the baseline to his right over AD with his hand outstretched trying to contest. The kid hit a tough shot.”

Anthony Davis showcased his dominance, leading the Lakers with an impressive 32 points and 11 rebounds. Throughout the game, Davis played with a determined attitude after learning earlier in the day that he was not selected as a finalist for the NBA’s annual Defensive Player of the Year Award this season. He started the game on fire, shooting an impressive 14-of-15 from the field.

“We’ve shown that we’re more than capable,” Davis commented when asked about the Lakers’ performance in the first two road games of the series. “We’ve also had stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor.”

However, despite Davis’ outstanding performance, he was overshadowed by the incredible display of two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Known as “The Joker,” Jokic recorded a triple-double, scoring 27 points, grabbing 20 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. While Murray contributed 20 points to the Nuggets’ victory, it was his buzzer-beater that proved to be the most crucial moment of the game.

AND ONE BRON pic.twitter.com/3Sx1gcbPin

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024

In contrast to Game 1, the Lakers received valuable contributions from their role players in Game 2.

D’Angelo Russell, who set the Lakers’ single-season record for three-pointers this year, had a challenging outing in Game 1, shooting only 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.

However, Russell found his rhythm from deep in Game 2, starting the game with a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc and finishing with an impressive 23 points.

“I made shots,” Russell remarked regarding his performance in Game 2. “I converted the shots that I missed in the first game. I’ll continue shooting. My teammates have faith in me, so I’ll strive not to disappoint them.”

Game 2 began similarly to the series opener, with the Lakers taking an early lead and building a double-digit advantage. They even extended their lead to 20 points in the early stages of the third quarter before the defending champions, the Nuggets, mounted a comeback.

“We are aware that they are a formidable offensive team. We know they will find their rhythm and make runs, especially on their home court. We just need to withstand it,” stated LeBron James. “Obviously, surrendering a 20-point lead is unfortunate, but in this league, a 20-point lead is never safe, especially against the defending champions.”

Midway through the third quarter, Denver embarked on an 11-0 run, reducing the Lakers’ lead to single digits.

“They are a tough team. We have to bring our A-game,” commented Darvin Ham. “We cannot afford to relax on any possession. We must stay focused against this formidable opponent.”

The Nuggets managed to trim the lead to just two points with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, LeBron James halted their momentum by draining back-to-back three-pointers, putting a halt to their surge.

Freeze x AR pic.twitter.com/WOX29vTXKd

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024

In both Game 1 and Game 2, the Lakers found themselves on the losing end of the rebounding battle, trailing 51-43, and were outscored in the paint by a margin of 54-38.

The Lakers have now suffered their tenth consecutive loss against the Nuggets and have endured a six-game losing streak to them in the playoffs, which dates back to Denver’s four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals last May.

As the series moves to Hollywood, it shapes up to be an intense and hard-fought battle between two exceptional teams. However, the mental advantage seems to lie with the Nuggets, who have consistently had the Lakers’ number.

One can’t help but wonder if LeBron James and the Lakers are questioning whether they can ever defeat this current version of the Nuggets as they make their way back home.

The Lakers must continue to devise strategies to neutralize Nikola Jokic, while the Nuggets need to find ways to contain Anthony Davis and LeBron James. It may involve engaging in a war of attrition against the dynamic duo, especially considering their heavy minutes played in the first two games of the series, which took place at high altitude.

HOW?! pic.twitter.com/nVVcCYkjCS

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2024

On the Lakers’ side, to disrupt Denver’s title defense, they must stifle and suffocate the Nuggets’ starting five and endure the physical demands of playing significant minutes against a formidable opponent throughout a grueling seven-game series.

“Win game three. It’s that simple. Win. Game. Three,” emphasized Davis, highlighting the importance of securing a victory in the upcoming game.