The Denver Nuggets got the job done in guideline this time with a 116-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers to hitch their Western Conference semifinals clash at 2-2.
After falling short in just the second quadruple additional time playoff game in NBA history, Denver showed self-restraint to keep Portland from constraining an additional period on Sunday, May 5 (Monday, May 6, Philippine time).
Jamal Murray terminated 34 points, 5 bounce back, and 4 assists to demonstrate the way for the Nuggets, while Nikola Jokic indented his fourth playoff triple-double with 21 points, 12 bounce back, 11 assists, and 2 steals.
Paul Millsap set up 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Gary Harris and Will Barton chipped 14 and 11 points, separately, in the win.
Portland was well inside striking distance late as it trailed 110-112 in the last 10 seconds off a Damian Lillard layup, yet Murray demonstrated clutch for Denver by knocking down all of his 4 free throws to seal the victory.
“The biggest part was mental,” said Murray on playing two playoff games just 40 hours apart. “We know what to do physically but that was a draining game and we had to come back with energy and face a great team.”
“We were able to get what we wanted on offense and the stops on defense.”
Game 3 hero CJ McCollum was limited to 29 points and 5 rebounds, while Lillard had 28 points and 7 assists as Portland absorbed its first home loss of the playoffs.
The best-of-seven series moves back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 7
