Jamal Murray compares Game 2 and Game 5 game-winners vs. Lakers / News - Basketnews.com

Jamal Murray reacts to his game-winner in Game 5: "This one's a little better. I'm speechless."

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

On Monday night, Jamal Murray defied the odds, scoring 32 points despite dealing with a strained calf. His heroic efforts culminated in a game-winner with 3.6 seconds left, propelling the reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets to a 108-106 victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5.

Player of the Game EFF 37 Nikola Jokic Points 25 Accuracy 12-21 Rebounds 20 Assists 9

This was not Murray's first clutch performance; he had already sealed Game 2 with a buzzer-beater.

"This one's a little better. I'm speechless," Murray said post-game after sinking a Game 5 dagger. "It's a dream come true with all these fans on your side. To get it done in this fashion, I don't know what to say. I'm just happy for us."

Murray was questionable before the game due to his calf strain, but his mentality did not let him stay on the sidelines for this game.

"I didn't wanna sit," he noted. "I think the training staff is just very cautious with it. They didn't want it to get worse. I was like, 'I'm not going to leave my brothers out there.' I got a little emotional. I was like, 'I'm not sitting. I don't care what it is. We gotta figure it out.' And I'm just thankful they let me play, and I was able to get this opportunity to actually put the ball in the hoop."

The victory marked another chapter in the Nuggets' dominance over the Lakers, whom they swept in the Western Conference finals last summer en route to clinching the franchise's first NBA championship.

With this win, the Nuggets secured their 12th victory in their last 13 matchups against the Lakers.

Jamal Murray's Game 2 buzzer-beater:

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