Lakers vs. Nuggets: Jamal Murray's Game 2 explosion shows why Nikola Jokic isn't Denver's only cheat code

Murray went off for 23 points in the final frame to close out Thursday's Game 2 win

Jamal Murray could barely breathe as he attempted to summon coherent answers during Thursday night's postgame on-court TV interview. He had just poured in 23 fourth-quarter points to will the Denver Nuggets to a 108-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Murray, who has been dealing with an ear infection, logged 42 grueling minutes -- including all 24 in the second half.

"I feel better we won," an exhausted Murray said after the game. "A win is a win, so I'm good after this."

Murray is known for his unique playoff heaters, but Thursday night's performance was as dramatic as any. That's because he started the game frigid from the field, going 5 for 17 in the first three quarters, including 2 for 9 from 3-point range. When he knocked down a pull-up jumper with just under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, however, coach Mike Malone felt an inkling that the floodgates were about to open for his star point guard.