of los angeles lakers They finally took control of the Denver Nuggets and won. The Lakers, who lost 1-0 in the first round series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, dominated Denver in the first half and opened a 20-point lead early in the third quarter.
Game over, right? Not completely. The Nuggets got their roar back in the second half thanks to another masterful performance from Nikola Jokic and some shot-making in the fourth quarter from Jamal Murray. The final minutes of the fourth quarter were frenetic. Oh my god It culminated with Jamal Murray’s picture-perfect buzzer-beater over Anthony Davis to win the game and give Denver a 2-0 series lead.
There were many reasons why Denver was able to pull off the come-from-behind victory. LeBron James and Anthony Davis had complete possession without touching the ball until the end as Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie hijacked the offense. Jokic was unbelievable, keeping the Lakers inside with his own points while continuing to feed Murray. Murray had a terrible first three quarters, but scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth.
After the game, the Lakers offered a different explanation for their loss. Because the referee screwed them over. Head coaches Darvin Hamm, LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell all mentioned officiating after the game.
“There were some tough calls and some tough calls,” Ham said after the game. “It’s getting really difficult. The season and the games are one-sided. And once you get to the playoffs, it’s… left open to interpretation.”
James mentioned the film’s wild ending. sixers–knicks Even in the postgame press conference, Philadelphia believed the ball was turned over due to an uncalled foul at the end of the game. The Sixers are File a Complaint with the NBA Regarding the referee at the end of the match.
If the NBA really wanted to match-fix the Lakers vs. Nuggets series, wouldn’t they want the Lakers to win to get more games and more drama? This just doesn’t pass the smell test.
Russell also addressed the referees after the game.
“The questionable call really dictated a lot,” the Lakers guard said after the game. “We all saw it.”
After the Lakers lost Game 2, Dillow called out to the referees: We all saw it. ” pic.twitter.com/g47gofsf2d
— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) April 23, 2024
Yes, there were some questionable calls and non-calls against the Lakers in Game 2 against the Nuggets. It happened in every match and did not determine the outcome.
The Lakers are understandably upset that officials called off a foul on Michael Porter Jr. after he appeared to punch Russell in the face on a third-quarter drive.
Michael Porter Jr. punched D’Angelo Russell in the face. MPJ was called for a foul and was challenged.
The Nuggets won the challenge.
thought? pic.twitter.com/X01ufZXX4g
— Clutch Points (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2024
James had thought about it, and he wasn’t wrong.
Lakers’ LeBron James: “Honestly, I don’t understand what’s going on in the Replay Center.” [D’Angelo Russell] Apparently the drive hit me in the face.What, do we have a replay center? [for]···I do not understand the meaning. It makes no sense to me. That’s worrisome. ”
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 23, 2024
James also solicited inquiries about clutch bucket delays. He couldn’t get his and-one he was looking for.
You would imagine this is the call that really upset the Lakers tonight. LeBron, Phil Handy, and the Lakers bench yelled at the referees.
Looks like LeBron got hit in the head by Murray.Indeed, as animated as LeBron was talking about no-calls for a while, as far as I remember. https://t.co/5cnCZfZQWQ pic.twitter.com/JNV5X4Mqz7
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) April 23, 2024
In reality, referees sometimes miss calls for both teams during a game. The Lakers were unable to extend their 20-point lead due to poor refereeing. They blew a 20 point lead due to poor coaching and performance, in addition to the simple fact that the Nuggets were better than them.
Even Lakers fans rolled their eyes at the team’s complaints against the officials.
I love you, you’re right, but you gave up a 20-point lead. I’m sure you’ll be more upset about that than the missed call. https://t.co/H2jrauEi9p
— Playoff Karin. (@KarinAbcarians) April 23, 2024
The Lakers need to stop. They led by 20 points with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.
A suspicious call comes in on the street, but the team is the first to choke. Don’t put yourself in a position where the referee can influence you. period. https://t.co/HbR0K6eJzg
— JNav (@jnavla) April 23, 2024
Magic Johnson is also playing against the Lakers in this game!
The Lakers have no one to blame but themselves. They did everything they had to do except win the game! AD and LeBron both did their part and got some scoring help from Russell, but they still lost.
— Irvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 23, 2024
The Lakers have enjoyed a huge free throw advantage over their opponents throughout the past two seasons. That didn’t happen in Game 2, with the Nuggets making 17 free throw attempts to the Lakers’ 13.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter. That means the Lakers missed a golden opportunity to tie this series back in Los Angeles. They have no one to blame but themselves.
