The defending champion Denver Nuggets proceed in the playoffs with a game-winning shot from Jamal Murray, ousting the Los Angeles Lakers.
Murray nailed another buzzer-beating game winner in Game 5 of the series, helping the defending champs secure a 2-0 lead.
Despite entering the match with a calf injury, the Nuggets' guard wowed everyone with a game-high 32 points and seven assists, taking the series to 4-1.
"This one feels great," said Murray. "I'm lost for words... it's like a dream come true. With all these fans rooting for us, it's just amazing!"
The loss marks the 12th defeat in 13 games for the Lakers against the Nuggets, including being swept in the Western Conference Finals the previous season leading to the Nuggets' first NBA title.
Remaining ahead for roughly 75% of the series, James and the Lakers could not find a solution against the Nuggets.
The Lakers briefly held the lead at halftime and got up to a nine-point advantage in the third quarter, but the Nuggets came back strongly with a 21-10 push, taking a two-point advantage into the final period.
Both teams swapped leads in the final stretch, with Murray clinching it with a last-second shot. In the end, the Lakers' forward Taurean Prince attempted a prayer from half-court at the buzzer, but it was way off.
Jokic_ reached 25 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points (5/7 3-pointers).
The Nuggets now progress to face the Timberwolves in the next round. Kicking off with Game 1 on Saturday in Denver, where they have a fantastic 36-8 record this season, including 3-0 in the playoffs.
On the flip side, the loss marks the end of the 21st season for James, who racked up a near triple-double in Game 5 at 30 points, 11 assists, and the same for rebounds – combined with four steals.
For this postseason, there will be no James or playoff mainstays Curry and Durant in the second round for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
Some other playoff action saw the young Thunder beat the Pelicans 97-89 in a 4-0 series sweep.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder's star guard, was a standout with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Jalen Williams, another rising Thunder star, racked up 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals as well.
Things didn't go well for the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson due to injury, mimicking their struggles throughout the series.
McCollum topped off the Pelicans' scoring tally with 20 points, while Ingram struggled with only eight points on a terrible 2-for-14 shooting.
The Celtics sealed a 3-1 series lead against the Heat with a relatively easy 102-88 win.
The Celtics' stellar performance was driven by an electric Derrick White, who hit 8 three-pointers, totalling 38 points.
On the downside for the Celtics, Kristaps Porzinģis, their starting center, suffered a possible calf injury.
Now, the Heat must complete a miraculous comeback to replicate their historic appearance in last year's NBA Finals as a play-in team.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
