Anthony Davis had never been in these instances of a postseason in the NBA and had never had a chance to score a decisive basket.
However, the experience was not new for the Los Angeles Lakers.
When Davis’ 3 hit the rim as the clock expired for the Lakers to beat the Denver Nuggets 105-103 on Sunday night and lead 2-0 in the Western Conference finals, coach Frank Vogel recalled a similar feat by another club player.
“Kobe Bryant hit a pitch like that,” Vogel said. “For me, AD coming off the bench, flying over the edge, receiving the ball and hitting it to the basket in the biggest game of our season, and hitting it, it was a mamba-style throw.”
The Lakers played in their black mamba jerseys. They were designed in conjunction with Bryant, his Perimeter Hall of Famer who died on January 26 in a helicopter crash.
Davis said wearing the jerseys that mean so much to the team increased the sense of relevancy of their throw that gave them the win.
“The jersey we play in tonight makes it even more special,” he said.
Davis finished with 31 points. He scored Los Angeles’ last 10 goals and finished with 22 in the second half to help the Lakers avoid becoming the latest victim of a Nuggets comeback.
“A special moment for a special player. I’m happy to be a participant, ”said LeBron James, who had 26 points and 11 boards.
Denver trailed by 16 points, but Nikola Jokic scored 11 straight points from Denver down the stretch, including a shot that made it 103-102 with 20 seconds left.
Alex Caruso missed a triple and Jamal Murray blocked Danny Green’s shot with 2.1 seconds left. Rajon Rondo found Davis with his entry pass and the star forward shot from behind the arc to put the Lakers halfway to the NBA Finals.
Jokic said there was miscommunication on the last play, when it appeared that center Mason Plumlee allowed Davis to maneuver, believing he would change. Jokic ran to him but too late.
“Great players make great scores, and he did it, so he’s a really good player,” Jokic said.
Jokic finished with 30 points and nine assists and Murray added another 25 points.
Game 3 is Tuesday night. AP (HN).