Jamal Murray Hits Another Game-Winner to Eliminate Lakers (108-106), Thunder Sweep Pelicans (97-89) as New Age Western Conference Emerges
If it wasn’t already, it’s officially a new era in the NBA’s Western Conference. Jamal Murray (32 points) hit another game-winner to sink the Lakers late last night (108-106) and send LeBron James to an early vacation in five games (4-1). Murray also hit a walk-off winner in Game 2. This was a 10-foot floater with just over 3 seconds left. Nikola Jokic (25-20-9) was magnificent while James (30-11-9) gave it his all. All future questions aside, LeBron is 39 years old and flirting with playoff triple-doubles. The King's crown might be slipping, but c'mon.
In the early game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 pts, 10 rebs) led the Thunder to a first-round sweep of the Pelicans (97-89), and the second round of the West is starting to favor the new kids on the block. Keep in mind that Jokic (29) and Murray (27) aren’t even 30 years old. Anthony Edwards (22) and the Timberwolves and SGA (25) and the Thunder both swept first-round opponents. Luka Doncic (25) is also still competing.
Changing of the Guard: The take-home point is simple. This is the first time in the last 20 years (2003) that LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were all absent from the playoffs after the first round, and half of the first-round series have yet to be decided. Insert Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Doncic (all 25 years or younger) chasing the Nuggets. Victor Wembanyama is also lurking. It's a new era.
NBA Playoff Highlights (Round 1)
Gm 5: Nuggets def. Lakers (108-106)
DEN Wins Series (4-1)
Gm 4: Thunder def. Pelicans (97-89)
OKC Sweeps NOP (4-0)
Gm 4: Celtics def. Heat (102-88)
BOS Leads Series (3-1)
*Derrick White (38 pts) Erupts With Eight 3s
Updated NBA Playoff Bracket
The Nuggets and Timberwolves will meet in Round 2 while the Thunder await the winner of the Mavs-Clippers series. No East team has advanced, but that could change tonight.
Tonight’s Schedule
Gm 5: 76ers at Knicks (7:00 pm ET, TNT)
NYK Leads Series (3-1)
Gm 5: Magic at Cavaliers (8:00 pm ET, NBATV)
Series Tied (2-2)
Gm 5: Pacers at Bucks (9:30 pm ET, TNT)
IND Leads Series (3-1)
Read More
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