NBA Playoffs 2019: Four takeaways from Denver Nuggets' stunning comeback win over San Antonio Spurs

Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets were one of the hottest teams during the regular season and a dominant final quarter saw them stun the Spurs to level the series up against the San Antonio Spurs.

Jamal Murray took over down the stretch as the Nuggets came from seven points down at the end of the third quarter to record the 114-105 victory.

After quiet games in the series opener, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan bounced back in Game 2 to combine for 55 points.

Denver struggled throughout the game offensively, but it clicked into gear when it matttered most.

Here are the main talking points from Game 2...

Jamal Murray has ice in his veins

The Denver Nuggets couldn't buy a bucket down the stretch in Game 1. Thankfully they had no such issues in the fourth quarter of Game 2.

Jamal Murray was left to rue a huge missed chance in the dying seconds of the series opener, but he put those misses in the rearview mirror and erupted in the fourth.

The Nuggets guard buried back-to-back triples to extend the Nuggets' lead and effectively put the game to bed with his final quarter display.

He added a stunning 21 points on a ridiculous 8-9 shooting from the floor.

Spurs big names deliver big performances

DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge combined for 33 points on 12-36 shooting in the opening game of the series. They surpassed that total in the first half alone.

The Spurs big two eventually finished with a combined 55 points on 19-39 shooting. Unfortunately they were going alone as the rest of the Spurs crew failed to fire.

Aside from Derrick White's 17 points, no other member of the Spurs rotation scored more than eight points as the Nuggets pulled off the stunning comeback.

While it's by no means panic stations for the Spurs, they'll be wary of a resurgent Nuggets and will need the rest of their troops to pitch in as their stars continue to shine.


Fourth quarter defensively specialists strike again

Denver were the number one team in the final quarter allowing only 24.8 points per game throughout the regular season and in a huge Game 2 they got it done when it mattered most.

Entering the final term the Nuggets trailed by seven points, but they found their groove on both ends of the floor to emerge victorious and level the series up at 1-1.

San Antonio's offense clicked all game long before falling apart in the fourth as the Nuggets took control and held them to 23 points down the stretch.

The crowd rose to the occassion as their squad roared back to life and the incredible final 12 minutes means the series heads to San Antonio all tied.

Nuggets struggles at the line

Denver lost the opening game of the series by five points after missing eight free throws throughout the game, ending with 16-24. Game 2 saw their struggles continue as they finished 18-26.

Thankfully the result went their way, but the fact remains they've struggled to knock down shots from the charity stripe.

The 20th ranked team in the NBA percentage wise throughout the regular season and locked in a series that looks like it will remain tight throughout, the Nuggets need to get their act together.

Game 3 will take place on Thursday in San Antonio.

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