NBA News: Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Describes Game Two’s Final Play As ‘Miscommunication’

KEY POINTS

The Denver Nuggets trail the Los Angeles Lakers 0-2 in the Western Conference Finals
Anthony Davis made a game-winning three to secure a 105-103 win for the Lakers
Nikola Jokic shared that it was a slight miscommunication on the defensive end that led to the open shot

Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals was decided by a game-winning three-point shot by Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis. Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic shared that the final play had a little miscommunication on their end which left the 7-time NBA All-Star to take the shot.

The basketball community was quick to point out that Mason Plumlee left Davis open for the winning three-pointer. Fans and experts discussed after the game how Plumlee and Jerami Grant both ended up covering LeBron James.

This quick defensive lapse was all that Davis needed to set his feet and hoist a good shot that secured the 105-103 win over the Nuggets.

for those of you wondering “what the hell was Mason Plumlee doing?” , here is the iso cam of Jerami Grant calling Plumlee’s name/attention to help with LeBron, as needed, before the play began. pic.twitter.com/iczft57Q3T
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) September 21, 2020

What a moment for Anthony Davis. Awful breakdown by Plumlee on the last play. Give me more AD vs Joker in crunch time please, what a delight
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) September 21, 2020

Mason Plumlee came in as a defensive sub, then *ran himself into a screen that wasn't even there*, and lost track of his man for the game-winner https://t.co/lxkUVwvkQa
— Zach Kram (@zachkram) September 21, 2020

"Either going to be him or LeBron [to take the last shot], so we kind of knew it," Jokic said as reported by ESPN.

While Plumlee and Grant were mixed up in a little confusion on the court, Jokic was still able to contest Davis’ shot. The outstretched arms of Jokic were not enough to alter Davis’ attempt, as the Lakers were able to sneak away with a 2-0 lead in the series.

"Just happened, a little bit of miscommunication. I think I had a really good contest, to be honest. I think I was right there. As soon as he shot the ball, he shot it really well. Like, I kind of felt it going in. Great players make great shots," Jokic added.

It has been a historic run for the Nuggets as they’re coming off two come from behind series’ where they trailed 3-1.

"I mean, we are here [as] underdogs," Jokic continued.

The All-Star Jokic scored 30 points, dished out nine assists and ended up with four steals. Star guard Jamal Murray followed with 25 points and six rebounds.

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401246235

"That is how you say, underdogs? I mean, we need to fight. That's our only chance. They were up 15, isn't it, or 16? I don't know how much they were up. We could just call it a game and quit. I think we just want to give the fight. Maybe it's going to be 30 points, but fight needs to be there, and effort," Jokic concluded.

The third game will be played on Sept. 22, 2020, as the Nuggets aim to prevent a 3-0 deficit.