The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, were eliminated from the NBA playoffs after the Denver Nuggets secured a 4-1 victory in the Western Conference series. The Nuggets, reigning champions, clinched the decisive fifth game with a narrow 108-106 win.
Jamal Murray of the Nuggets emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning basket with only 3.6 seconds remaining, contributing to his total of 32 points. Despite James’ impressive 30 points and 11 assists, the Lakers fell short.
James, the NBA’s top scorer, was pursuing his fifth championship and his first with the Lakers since 2020. However, he remained non-committal about his future with the team.
Post-game, James expressed a desire to return to his family and review his schedule, with plans to attend a USA Basketball training camp in Las Vegas before the Olympics.
In other Western Conference action, the Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the quarterfinals with a 97-89 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans, sweeping the series 4-0. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points each.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics moved one step closer to advancing, taking a 3-1 lead in their series against the Miami Heat.
The Celtics secured the fourth game with a 102-88 win, despite an injury scare involving Kristaps Porzingis. Derrick White’s personal best of 38 points was pivotal in the Celtics’ win. The series is set to continue with the fifth game on Wednesday.
Reported By BBC Sports
