NBA playoffs 2024: Jamal Murray hits winner to eliminate LA Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder advance with sweep of Pelicans

The Denver Nuggets advanced into the next round of the NBA playoffs after eliminating the LA Lakers on Monday night thanks to a game-winning shot from Jamal Murray in the final seconds of Game 5.

The Lakers avoided back-to-back sweeps against the Nuggets when they claimed a victory in Game 4 at home and were looking to produce one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history as they travelled back to face the defending champions.

However, their postseason hopes were dashed in dramatic fashion after the Nuggets secured a 108-106 victory.

Murray was a doubt heading into Game 5 after picking up a calf strain in the previous game but he managed to score 32 points on the night including the game winner with just 3.6 seconds left on the clock, as the Nuggets wrapped up a 4-1 series win.

The 27-year-old also hit the winning shot at the buzzer in Game 2 of the series as the Nuggets look to become the first team to win consecutive NBA titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.

"Shout out to the Lakers, they gave us a great series," said Murray. "Those are shots that you dream of as a little kid.

"I came in a little earlier today to see if I was going to be able to go, and I felt like I could and they just didn't want me to risk it.

"They told me no and I didn't say no. I didn't want to leave my teammates out there. We've been battling all season.

"Everybody's hurt at some point, everybody's going through something, and I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I wasn't able to play this game.

"I'm just glad they listened to me - and listened to me listening to my body - and just trusting me with it."

The Nuggets will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a repeat of last season's first-round playoff series where they defeated Anthony Edwards and co on their way to the NBA title.

It was another bitter end to the season for NBA great LeBron James who produced a game-high 30 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists.

The 39-year-old was non-committal about his future at the franchise and the sport following the Lakers' elimination.

"First of all, tip your hat to them," James said. "Defending champions. They're a great team, super well coached and made the plays down the stretch to win the series. You give credit where credit is due, that's for sure."

When asked about about his future, James replied: "I don't have an answer...to be honest. I haven't given it much thought. We'll cross that when we need to."

Elsewhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder also advanced into the next round of the postseason with a 4-0 series sweep over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Thunder became the youngest team in NBA history to capture a playoff series and did so with a 97-89 victory on Monday, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams leading the way with 24 points each.

"I think we were well rested for this series," said Gilgeous-Alexander. "And I would say keep the same mindset. Do whatever it takes to win. Every series is going to look different.

"Every game is going to look different. Teams make adjustments. You play different teams. Just try to win at all costs, and that's what matters in the NBA."

The Thunder will face the winner of the series between the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics took a huge step to securing their place in the next round with an emphatic 102-88 road win at the Miami Heat.

Derrick White was the star on the night as he produced a career-high 38 points to help the Celtics go 3-1 up as they look to wrap up the series in Boston later this week.

However, it wasn't all plain sailing for the Celtics as they lost Kristaps Porzingis to a calf injury in the first half.

"All of us, our mindset has to shift," said veteran center Al Horford, who replaced the injured Porzingis after half-time.

"I talked to Luke [Kornet] and Xavier [Tillman], and let them know that all of us have to be ready to step up and do a little more, because KP was playing so well defensively."

Celtics star Jayson Tatum added: "We're going to have to play different, but it's a next-man-up mentality for however long [he's out].

"Obviously, I don't know anything [yet] - but it's next man up. We just have to find a way to win each game."

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