Nuggets Edge Out Shorthanded Lakers in a Thrilling 131-126 Victory
March 15, 2025 — The Denver Nuggets pulled off a dramatic 131-126 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena, thanks to Jamal Murray’s clutch 3-pointer in the dying seconds. It was a back-and-forth battle that saw standout performances from both sides, even with the Lakers missing their biggest stars.
Murray’s Heroics Seal the Deal
With the game tied at 126 and under 10 seconds to play, Jamal Murray dribbled to the top of the key, took a confident step-back, and drained a contested three-pointer with just 6.2 seconds left on the clock. The crowd erupted as Murray’s shot gave the Nuggets a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Lakers had one last chance to respond, but Denver’s defense held firm, securing the hard-fought win.
Murray finished the night with 26 points, but it wasn’t just his scoring that made the difference — his poise under pressure reminded everyone why he’s one of the best clutch performers in the league.
“I live for these moments,” Murray said post-game. “When the ball’s in my hands at the end, I just trust my work.”
While Murray’s heroics stole the spotlight, it was Nikola Jokic who set the tone throughout the game. The reigning MVP posted an impressive 28 points, while also contributing on the boards and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Jokic’s ability to control the game’s tempo and make smart decisions kept the Nuggets steady, even when the Lakers made their late push.
Christian Braun also had a big night with 22 points, while Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook added 17 points each to round out Denver’s balanced attack.
Lakers Fight Hard Without LeBron and Doncic
Lebron James
The Lakers were without their superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but they put up an impressive fight behind a breakout performance from Austin Reaves. Reaves exploded for 37 points, showcasing his scoring versatility and willingness to carry the offensive load in the absence of James and Doncic.
Dalton Knecht also stepped up with 32 points, keeping the Lakers competitive until the final moments. Reaves and Knecht briefly gave the Lakers a 126-123 lead with under a minute to play, but Denver’s experience proved too much to overcome down the stretch.
“We fought hard tonight,” Reaves said. “We know we’re missing some key guys, but we’re not going to make excuses. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted with just under 20 seconds remaining. Down 126-123, Nikola Jokic found Braun cutting through the lane for a quick bucket to bring the Nuggets within one. After a crucial defensive stop, Murray brought the ball up the court and calmly sank the game-winning three — a signature moment that could have playoff implications down the line.
What’s Next?
This win improves the Nuggets’ record to 43-24, keeping them firmly in the race for a top playoff seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers, now 40-25, remain in the mix despite the loss. With LeBron and Doncic expected to return soon, the Lakers are still poised to make a deep postseason run.
Denver’s clutch win could serve as a statement victory as the playoffs approach — a reminder that when the game is on the line, the Nuggets have the firepower and composure to deliver.
👉 Up Next: The Nuggets face the Phoenix Suns on March 18, while the Lakers look to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors.
🎯 Final Score: Nuggets 131, Lakers 126 📊 Top Performers:
