Double Drama: ‘What Just Happened?’

04/23/2024

By: Jeff Yoder

Jamal Murray’s Game-Winner Caps 20-Point Nuggets Rally (101-99); Knicks Go On 8-Point Run in Final 30 Seconds (104-101)

The phrase ‘WHAT JUST HAPPENED?’ (all caps) was trending on X/Twitter last night during the NBA Playoff games, and that pretty much sums it up. The end of the Knicks-76ers Game 2 was pure chaos — an 8-0 run in the final 27 seconds by the Knicks. A few hours later, the Nuggets rallied from 20 points down to beat the Lakers with a game-winning buzzer-beater by Jamal Murray. If you’re a Lakers or Sixers fan, you took an absolute gut punch. Two would-be wins, stripped by late-game shot-makers… What a night to be a basketball fan.

“Best doubleheader in TNT history?” — Ernie Johnson

“I don’t think I’ve seen two better games.” — Charles Barkley

Gm 2: Knicks def. 76ers (104-101)

New York trailed Philly by five (101-96) at Madison Square Garden late last night, but this Knicks team gutted their way to a win in one wild finish. Jalen Brunson got a friendly bounce on a 3 with 27 seconds left, and the Knicks stole the inbounds with some scrappy defense (and probably a foul). Another 3 from Donte DiVincenzo sent MSG into bedlam (102-101). A six-point run in 14 seconds flipped the game, and New York hit a pair of free throws before Joel Embiid’s game-tying 3 attempt hit the back of the rim. A stunner in the Garden. ‘WHAT JUST HAPPENED?’ indeed. Joel Embiid (34 pts) and Tyrese Maxey (35 pts) put up big numbers, but the Knicks control the series. NYK Leads Series (2-0)

Gm 2: Nuggets def. Lakers (101-99)

Jamal Murray, take a bow! On a night when the Lakers came out hot and went up by 20 in the third quarter, viewers likely turned off the West Coast game and went to bed. Mistake. The defending champs rallied, slowly but surely, pulling to within 10 by the start of the 4th and tying it up in the final minute. Tied 99-all in the final 30 seconds, LeBron James missed a 3, and Jamal Murray drove to the right wing and put a fadeaway jumper in Anthony Davis’ face for a crazy game-winner. LeBron James (26-12-8), Anthony Davis (32 pts, 11 rebs), and D’Angelo Russell (23 pts) threw the Nuggets their best punch, and it still wasn’t enough. The trio of Nikola Jokic (27-20-10), Michael Porter Jr. (22 pts, 9 rebs) and Murray (20 pts) were sensational in the final 20 minutes. The champs are in charge after the largest blown lead of the entire season by the Lakers. DEN Leads Series (2-0)

Gm 2: Cavaliers def. Magic (96-86)

Monday’s first game was much like its Game 1 predecessor. The Magic came out flat again in Cleveland as the Cavs stormed out to a double-digit lead and never looked back. Donovan Mitchell (23 pts) and Jarrett Allen (16 pts, 20 rebs) continue to show veteran poise in a series filled with youth. It’s 2-0 heading to Orlando, and the Magic need to find some offense. They’ve scored less than 90 in both games this series. CLE Leads Series (2-0)

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 2: Suns at T-Wolves (7:30 pm ET, TNT)

Gm 2: Pacers at Bucks (8:30 pm ET, NBATV)

Gm 2: Mavericks at Clippers (10:00 pm ET, TNT)

CBS Sports: How the Knicks Scored 8 Points in 27.1 Seconds in Wild Game 2 at MSG

Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images