Murray’s performance sends Denver to the Finals for the first time since its inception.

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2022-2023 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night (Feb. 23). The win completed a sweep of the Lakers. It was Denver’s first trip to the Finals since its inception.

Nikola Jokic (C, 211 cm) had an ace performance with 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and three blocked shots. Jamal Murray (G, 193 cm) backed up Jokic with 25 points, five assists, and two steals.

Denver struggled to get going early in the game. They were unable to control the opponent’s quick scoring in the second quarter and were unfortunate to give up 14 free throws. At halftime, the score was 58-73.

But Denver came out firing. They went on a 22-8 run, starting with a basket by Jokic. Then, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (196 cm, G) scored to put the game out of reach. The momentum continued for Denver and they went into the third quarter with a 94-89 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets allowed a run, but they didn’t let it get away from them, scoring at key moments and holding on to win the game the rest of the way. 메이저놀이터

After rewriting Denver’s history, Murray said in a postgame interview, “It’s amazing. It’s been a fun experience, a fun series. We’re in the Finals with a win in that situation. It’s a franchise first. We’re going to continue to make history. We’re going to keep our mentality up. The goal is to win,” he said.

Murray has proven himself to be a playoff man once again this postseason, averaging 27.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 92 percent free throw shooting. In the Conference Finals, he averaged 32.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, all while cracking the Lakers’ defense.

Denver’s ace is the two-time reigning MVP, but Murray was not far behind. Led by the duo, Denver is on its way to an NBA championship beyond the Western Conference.