The first-round series of the NBA playoffs were all electric. Each had its moments that defined the outcome of the series. When it comes to the Lakers-Nuggets series, there was one man who swallowed the aspirations of the Purple and Gold. No, it wasn’t Nikola Jokic. The human responsible behind sending both LeBron James and Anthony Davis home was mostly the Joker’s pick-and-roll partner – Jamal Murray.

Much like last year when they faced off, Murray was the target man when things boiled down to the clutch. In the five-game series, Murray was Nuggets’ closer. Not only did he have some splendid fourth-quarter performances but two of them ended with him hitting the final dagger to seal the win for his team.

He nailed an incredibly difficult buzzer-beater in Game 1 over Anthony Davis. He has accumulated 14 points in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Then in the series decider, he hit another step-back jumper with 3.6 seconds to go. Yet again, the Denver favorite scored 12. Whenever the Lakers got within catching distance, Murray was there to shun them out.

While speaking to JJ Reddick on their ‘Mind the Game’ podcast, LeBron James detailed the extreme difficulty of having to guard Murray. The 39-year-old might have waged friendly fire in the process.

LeBron James details the Jamal Murray experience

When in conversation about their series, James made an astonishing comment regarding Murray. While he did salute Jokic for making big plays in ever game, he believes it was the Canadian basketball star who posed the most problems to the Lakers. “It’s that m*********er Jamal Murray that will send you home and I’m a victim of it,”. 

Bron dictated how it is impossible to pre-empt Murray’s moves, unlike other players whose tendencies are well-researched. Although he did admit the Lakers’ fault when defending his go-ahead shot in Game 5. “When he hit two game-winners on us in the series one was a step back going right other was a step back going left. So what the f**k do you do. And yes we could have done better defensively but that’s a different story,”. James relayed.

Trending

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT

La La Anthony, Coco Gauff, and More Join to Celebrate Angel Reese’s LSU Celebration as She Slaps Back at GPA Critics

May 18, 2024 09:33 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Angel Reese Rejuvenates Allen Iverson’s Legacy Through Ties With $2.5 Billion Worth Brand

May 18, 2024 03:28 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

During the play he mentions the Lakers could have done better, the two nearest defenders were Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. In their short stays in LA, both have become fan favorites. However, James indirectly called out his teammates for Murray’s game-winner. Defensively speaking, Reaves did a decent job of tracking Murray’s entire path.

It’s also important to remember that Reaves isn’t a gifted defender. Murray chose his matchup wisely and got to his spot. An argument can be made that Rui Hachimura should have done a better job of helping Reaves contest the shot. Instead of making Murray alter his shot, Hachimura avoided jumping. It might be the fear of fouling and sending Murray to the line. Either way, the Lakers paid the price for it.

Now, both of them are reportedly on the trading block. With LeBron James‘ window running out, the Lakers are responsible for utilizing this time effectively. Would you want to see both Reaves and Hachimura traded in the offseason or are they a good fit to LA? Let us know what you think in the comments below.