Anthony Davis yearned for these moments.

Davis etched his mark in Los Angeles Lakers lore after burying the game-winning three-pointer against the Denver Nuggets, 105-103, in Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference finals series.

With 2.1 ticks left and the Lakers trailing 102-103, Davis sank the triple from the left wing at the buzzer to finish with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks as the Lakers seized a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven duel.

Davis became only the seventh player in Lakers history to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in the playoffs, joining Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, and Metta World Peace.

“It is for sure the biggest shot of my career,” said Davis, who is in his first year with the Lakers after spending his first 7 seasons in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“When I left [New Orleans], I just wanted to be able to compete for a championship and I know moments like these come with it, especially in LA, the biggest market in basketball.”

Davis knew he had to step up, especially since it was against him when Nikola Jokic scored the bucket that gave the Nuggets the lead late.

The Nuggets trailed 54-70 at one point and 92-100 with 3 minutes left before Jokic scored their next 11 points, including the hook shot over Davis that put them up 103-102 with 20 seconds remaining.

“Rajon Rondo told me, ‘He scored on you. You go get it back.’ I came off made the shot,” Davis said.

“I’ve never hit a game-winner like that before. It is a special moment for me,” added Davis, who is seeing action in just his third playoffs.

The Lakers will gun for a commanding 3-0 lead when they face the Nuggets in Game 4. – Rappler.com