Jamal Murray Reminisces LeBron’s Iconic 15 Year Old Game Winner After Sinking Lakers With Two of His Own: “Wearing His Jersey..”

One of the most memorable moments in any NBA game is the final game-winning shot. It is that shot made by a player that breaks a nail-biting tie during the final seconds and ensures a win for his team. From Michael Jordan’s iconic 1998 ‘The Last Shot’ that secured the 2nd Three-Peat for the Bulls to Kobe Bryant’s game-winning throw against the Miami Heat back in 2009, the history books are full of such moments. Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray has recently joined the same ranks as the other legends by adding two such moments to the book.

The Nuggets recently secured their fourth win against the Lakers during the ongoing playoff series. As a result, the latter team has now been eliminated. Jamal Murray was an instrumental player in each of the games, but his game-winning shots during Games 3 and 5 have elevated his status to a whole new level. During the post-game press conference, while talking about his recent feats, the player reminisced about a similar shot made by his rival LeBron James almost 15 years ago.

“He was in Cleveland, and I was wearing his jersey,” Murray recalled, adding, “I remember wearing the jersey while he was playing against Orlando, and he hit that shot with one second left.” According to the Nuggets star, that game left him panting and out of breath due to excitement. It was a different feeling to see LeBron James in action, and it was a memory that Murray continues to hold dear even today.

The ‘shot’ that Murray was referring to in the presser occurred in 2009, during the 2nd Eastern Conference Finals Game between LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. The then-24-year-old star had already secured a score of 35 points and 4 rebounds to his name, but the Magic were successfully keeping up with the player and the rest of his roster. With just 1 second remaining in the game, the Cavaliers were trailing by 93-95. Once LeBron got possession of the ball, he immediately proceeded to make a three-pointer. The buzzer went off while the ball was still in the air. Despite this, once it went through the hoop, the Cavaliers had secured an extra two points and the win to their name.

While LeBron’s team would later go on to lose the series, his ‘Buzzer Beater’ continues to remain one of the most iconic moments in the history of the NBA.

Jamal Murray made two game-winning shots against LeBron James’ Lakers

Long are the days gone when Jamal Murray just watched from the sidelines as one of his favorite players made all the game-winning shots. When the opportunity came for him to do the same, the Nuggets star proceeded to do it in such a manner that it became one of the most memorable moments of the ongoing NBA tournament.

Murray’s first shot came in the form of a buzzer-beater during Game 2 of the Lakers-Nuggets clash. With 9.2 seconds on the clock, both teams were tied at 99-99. The 27-year-old point guard took his time to reach the edge of the paint. When just 2.5 seconds were remaining, he suddenly dashed, took his place inside the circle, and made the shot. The buzzer went off but the ball went through its mark. Amidst the crowd’s loud cheers, the Nuggets won their second consecutive playoff game.

The second shot was made barely a few hours ago, during Game 5. It was the final 17 seconds.; the Lakers and the Nuggets each had 106. Once again, the ball was in Murray’s possession, and he took his time. Austin Reaves stood to block the player, while Nikola Jokic blocked Anthony Davis from reaching his teammate. Murray dashed with 6.2 seconds on the clock, successfully made the shot, and gave the Nuggets a 2-point lead with just 3.6 seconds remaining. 

The remaining time was insufficient for the Lakers to react, and the game, with their championship hope, slipped away. What were your thoughts on Jamal Murray’s recent feats? Let us know in the comments down below.