Murray late show sparks Nuggets

LOS ANGELES, United States — Jamal Murray exploded for 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Denver Nuggets staged a dramatic late fightback to clinch a series-levelling 114-105 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time).

Trailing 81-75 at the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets looked to be heading towards a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-seven playoff series against the Western Conference seventh seeds.

But just as the Spurs looked to be taking a commanding lead back to Texas for Thursday's game three, Murray erupted.

The 22-year-old Canadian, who had missed a potentially game-winning late jump shot in Saturday's game one, finished with 24 points after making eight of nine field goal attempts in the fourth quarter to spark the win.

Murray's late burst of scoring proved the difference on a night when four other Denver players finished with double figures.

Gary Harris had 23 points, while Nikola Jokic added 21 for Denver, who also saw power forward Paul Millsap add 20. Monte Morris added 11 points from the bench.

San Antonio, who led 59-49 at half-time, saw DeMar DeRozan top the scoring, with 31 points.

LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points but only one other player, Derrick White, managed to crack double digits, adding 17 points.