In Game 2 against the Nuggets, LeBron James gave the Lakers a real hot start in the first half. Later in the game, as the Nuggets successfully calmed him down, Anthony Davis picked the heat. The duo combined 57 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks to send their opponents packing.

As well as the team performed, it wasn’t a complete Lakers’ show. From the other end, both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray complimented each other well with their great playmaking ability. They showed some good defense all through the game, but failed to guard AD in the final moments.

The Denver Nuggets center tried all he could, but to no avail

Nikola Jokic did not have a particularly great night with his three-point shooting, as he could convert only one out of his four attempts. But apart from that, his play looked fearless and ravishing and his clutch time plays almost handed Nuggets a victory until AD pulled off a game-winning three. 

In the post-game interview, Nikola said, “They have two really good, really good, really good players. They have LeBron who is probably the best player in the league. And they have Anthony Davis who is probably the best scorer. So it’s not easy to figure it out.”

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Jokic then reflected on his feelings after that buzzer-beater and said, “We knew it was gonna be him [Anthony] or LeBron. We just had a bit of miscommunication. I thought I had a really good contest, to be honest, but as soon as he shot the ball, he shot it really well, I kind of felt it going in. Great players make great shots.”

What handed the Lakers a victory in those final seconds?

Alex Caruso, who actually played an amazing defense, missed his chance to shine by failing to convert a three-pointer with seconds remaining. Then Danny Green got denied by Jamal Murray and he lost his chance too. Now, it all came down to AD, who was left wide open by the Nuggets. He swiftly moved to take that pass and didn’t give Nikola much time to rush and guard him. It was probably due to some miscommunication that AD got his attempt and fortunately for the Lakers, he did not miss.

LeBron’s double-double, AD’s all-round performance, and good support from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Danny Green have helped the Lakers take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Read more: Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic: The Battle for Supremacy Between Two Giants