Series Thread: 2023 Western Conference Finals: 1) Nuggets vs 7) Lakers (Bubble Rematch)

[shopson67]

Yeah, I don't have an issue with the starting lineup. That lineup earned the game 1 start. But they should have adjusted earlier.

Another learning experience for Ham.

 

[shopson67]

Lol no. Refs did a good job tonight.

Zarba is as good as they come

No complaints. There was a fair share of flopping to go around, and I didn't buy the explanation on the Lakers' challenge, but inconsequential overall.

 

[shopson67]

He shouldn’t show favoritism toward one team and it shows lack of professionalism. A joke that Silver allows it.

Well, first of all you don't know the circumstances. Maybe the Lakers had a ticket for him whereas the Nuggets did not? Maybe that was the closest spot that was available for what he wanted to pay? Who knows, and really it's the ultimate moot point.

Regardless, do you think he might show favoritism for the biggest NBA client in the game? Just maybe? You expect KCP to balance out Lebron (let alone AD, and even Tristan Thompson)?

 

[trojanfan12]

How is that true? His impact got the 21 pt lead down to 3 at one point. The D-Lo no-show was a bigger issue. Who is Denver going to put on AD to slow him down? Clearly Jokic couldn't.

The rebounding won't change, lol? You expect Denver to get 9 offensive rebounds on their first 11 misses again if the Lakers don't start a 3 guard lineup? Here's a hint; don't put money on it.

The AD/Joker matchup was interesting. AD went for 40 and 10 with 3 blocks and was outplayed by Joker for much of the game. How often do you see that?

The Lakers stumbling onto Rui defending Joker could be the key to the series. You can live with Joker getting a lot of points or a lot of assists...you can't live with him getting a lot of points and a lot of assists.

 

[DJ Fieri]

The AD/Joker matchup was interesting. AD went for 40 and 10 with 3 blocks and was outplayed by Joker for much of the game. How often do you see that?

The Lakers stumbling onto Rui defending Joker could be the key to the series. You can live with Joker getting a lot of points or a lot of assists...you can't live with him getting a lot of points and a lot of assists.

They can use Hach and Vandy on him.....Vandy getting just 10 minutes was nuts. He has been a huge part of the defensive turnaround after the trade deadline.

Using 3 guards was just not smart.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

I had the right idea but the wrong player on this move. I was talking for days about using Vanderbilt inthat role. They must see him as a zero on offense because it seems like Ham doesn’t give them offense. I would still try Vanderbilt first in that role in Game 2. I think he’s a defender built for this role.

He can’t get get back though.

Rui can give it back on the other end.

Vandy would be a huge asset in the Finals, if they draw Boston.

You need him to slow one of those 2 wings.

Shit, they’d need him to try and slow Jimmy Buckets too.

But, the Nugz have way too many offensive weapons to play Jared huge minutes if DLo, Dennis, Lonnie are giving you single digits in scoring.

One of those 3 have to do better.

 

[trojanfan12]

They can use Hach and Vandy on him.....Vandy getting just 10 minutes was nuts. He has been a huge part of the defensive turnaround after the trade deadline.

Using 3 guards was just not smart.

As I posted earlier, I have no issue with that starting lineup for game 1. They earned that start.

But they should have moved off of it sooner.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

They can use Hach and Vandy on him.....Vandy getting just 10 minutes was nuts. He has been a huge part of the defensive turnaround after the trade deadline.

Using 3 guards was just not smart.

The problem is you are pretty much playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end with Vandy.

He is who he is and what he provides is important.

But, you can’t have him out there big minutes when D Lo, Lonnie, Dennis are not producing.

This game got tight when Rui was on Joker and Austin went the fuck off.

Some of that was because Reaves just has “ I am HIM “ moments.

Some of it was because Murray was playing matador defense, switching at all costs, to avoid picking up that foul.

Either way, it was working.

Lets see who wins the coaching game of adjustments.

Would not bet the farm on it being Ham.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

As I posted earlier, I have no issue with that starting lineup for game 1. They earned that start.

But they should have moved off of it sooner.

Earned, shmearned.

Agree that they did.

But, it s not about individuals or egos.

It’s about matchups.

Porter Jr was just elevating and shooting over Dudes easily.

Denver is too big to start 3 midgets.

Especially when 2 of the 3 gave you very little.

But, that’s Monday morning quarterbacking.

 

[DJ Fieri]

If they bench anybody......maybe it is Russell......

Schroder is a dog on defense if he is not giving you offense and Hillbilly Kobe is well.....Hillbilly Kobe.

 

[DJ Fieri]

After losing game 1 Bron has 12 series wins. 4 more than any other player ever.

 

[DJ Fieri]

The problem is you are pretty much playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end with Vandy.

He is who he is and what he provides is important.

But, you can’t have him out there big minutes when D Lo, Lonnie, Dennis are not producing.

This game got tight when Rui was on Joker and Austin went the fuck off.

Some of that was because Reaves just has “ I am HIM “ moments.

Some of it was because Murray was playing matador defense, switching at all costs, to avoid picking up that foul.

Either way, it was working.

Lets see who wins the coaching game of adjustments.

Would not bet the farm on it being Ham.

We got killed rebounding.....that is where Vandy helps. He is a better rebounder than Hach.

And his defense of course.

 

[DJ Fieri]

And pay Reaves whatever.....he is our 3rd best player.

4 and 60-72 hopefully but if he wants 80.....give him 80. The Lakers need him.

 

[Shanemansj13]

The difference between GS and Den is that AD dominated, but it didn't matter. Imagine if AD doesn't dominate, they would have lost by 40 yesterday. The rebounding won't change.

AD's points were not impactful on the outcome of the game. That is a problem.

I wouldn't look at the points, I would look at how he got them.
The problem for LA was rebounding.
Do you think Jokic is limiting AD? We all knew AD was getting his vs Jokic but Jokic still outplayed him and made a lot of tough shots. He was amazing.
It seems like they are willing to let AD have his so we will see how that plays out.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Off today and I gotta go to the store in a little bit.

Gotta hit the shower in a bit.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Agree re: Rui. He is big enough and strong enough to defend Joker and allow AD to roam and protect the basket. The Lakers comeback started with that adjustment.

DLo needs to come off the bench imo.

Schroder, Reaves, Lebron, Rui and AD

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

If they bench anybody......maybe it is Russell......

Schroder is a dog on defense if he is not giving you offense and Hillbilly Kobe is well.....Hillbilly Kobe.

Would be interesting to see who gets pulled.

Asking any of them to check a 6’10 Porter Jr or Uber athletic 6’8 Gordon is a daunting task, if it’s for more then a few minutes.

 

[Shanemansj13]

He can’t get get back though.

Rui can give it back on the other end.

Vandy would be a huge asset in the Finals, if they draw Boston.

You need him to slow one of those 2 wings.

Shit, they’d need him to try and slow Jimmy Buckets too.

But, the Nugz have way too many offensive weapons to play Jared huge minutes if DLo, Dennis, Lonnie are giving you single digits in scoring.

One of those 3 have to do better.

DLO. That dude cannot be MIA in this series if LA wants to win. He should come off the bench for a spark imo

 

[trojanfan12]

Earned, shmearned.

Agree that they did.

But, it s not about individuals or egos.

It’s about matchups.

Porter Jr was just elevating and shooting over Dudes easily.

Denver is too big to start 3 midgets.

Especially when 2 of the 3 gave you very little.

But, that’s Monday morning quarterbacking.

I think the idea was to borrow from what the Warriors did to them.

When the Warriors went small against the lineup the Lakers used vs. the Grizz was when they had their most success. So, Ham decided to try the same vs. the Nuggets. Didn't work.

My only complaint is that he gave them too much leash. Rookie coach mistake.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

I think the idea was to borrow from what the Warriors did to them.

When the Warriors went small against the lineup the Lakers used vs. the Grizz was when they had their most success. So, Ham decided to try the same vs. the Nuggets. Didn't work.

My only complaint is that he gave them too much leash. Rookie coach mistake.

Yeah, I see your point.

He definitely should have made the move earlier.

Not to beat up on the guy…

But, D Lo was the problem.

He just has to give you more on offense.

If Dennis and Reaves aren’t getting buckets, they will at least give you great effort on the other end.

If Russell isn’t scoring, he’s pretty useless.