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

[Shanemansj13]

At least Reaves puts in the effort defensively, not seeing much from DLo. If a defender gets by him, it’s over

 

[DJ Fieri]

The pressure is all on Denver tonight.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Ok start him. Bring Schroder in at the 11 minute mark. Hope that helps his ego. At this point in the season matchups are a HUGE part of the game, if he can’t understand that by now then he can cry about it. You think LA will regret it if Denver gets a huge lead bc DLo is cold and can’t guard a fly. The coach has to make the right decision for the team

Yep.

Russell is most likely gone in the offseason anyway. Via a sign and trade.

 

[Jordan23]

Who said that?

Must have misunderstood you, lol. Words read differently sometimes. Damnit, lol

 

[DJ Fieri]

He still fits in better than Westbrook ever did so I don't have any complaints.

Be interesting to see what happens in the off season

Yep, because he can shoot. Even if he is inconsistent.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Worked a partial day at work.....may need a nap before the shenanigans tonight.

 

[Jordan23]

At least Reaves puts in the effort defensively, not seeing much from DLo. If a defender gets by him, it’s over

That just shows he doesn’t care enough about defense imo. It’s not hard to play somewhat solid defense if you actually care to put in the effort. On a lower level when I played ball I was meh on defense and cared more about scoring and then eventually I wanted to guard the other teams best player and I put a lot into wanting to stop them. DLo needs to care more I think.

 

[msgkings322]

Who cares anyway. He isn’t a current player. Right now with Jokic at his peak and being a superstar, you aren’t stopping superstars-you can only try to limit them and even that is difficult. I’m sure Rodman could “limit” him but he isn’t stopping him

Right, back to the topic...is there anyone in the league that can slow down Jokic? His own words say Draymond is best at it, I wonder who else has success there.

 

[msgkings322]

That just shows he doesn’t care enough about defense imo. It’s not hard to play somewhat solid defense if you actually care to put in the effort. On a lower level when I played ball I was meh on defense and cared more about scoring and then eventually I wanted to guard the other teams best player and I put a lot into wanting to stop them. DLo needs to care more I think.

A lot of defense is indeed effort, spending energy on that end instead of waiting to play O again.

 

[Jordan23]

A lot of defense is indeed effort, spending energy on that end instead of waiting to play O again.

I loved the challenge of making it a point to slow the guy down and also take the challenge that he isn’t gonna stop me. Having that mentality made a difference. You watch some guys and think, how the fuck is he a pro? Lol

 

[Shanemansj13]

Right, back to the topic...is there anyone in the league that can slow down Jokic? His own words say Draymond is best at it, I wonder who else has success there.

Slow down. Yeah probably a few including Draymond. What about a guy like Steven Adams or Jonas V. Slower guys but he can't overpower him. Probably with that is guarding the perimeter. Not many names come to mind but...

Draymond
Embiid
Gobert
Marc Gasol (not currrent)

 

[shopson67]

Keep him or sign-amd-trade. Really just depends on what is out there. I mean GS got extremely lucky getting Wiggins for him. Doubt an opportunity comes close to that and in that case, they should keep him obviously. This series will say a lot

I still think he has upside with the Lakers. This team was jumbled just a few months ago with little time together as a full, healthy unit. The defense will likely always be a weakness with him, but maybe the future emergence of Christie could temper that.

 

[shopson67]

Ok start him. Bring Schroder in at the 11 minute mark. Hope that helps his ego. At this point in the season matchups are a HUGE part of the game, if he can’t understand that by now then he can cry about it. You think LA will regret it if Denver gets a huge lead bc DLo is cold and can’t guard a fly. The coach has to make the right decision for the team

If he's cooking, keep him to that point. If not, Schroder comes in sooner IMO.

 

[shopson67]

Right, back to the topic...is there anyone in the league that can slow down Jokic? His own words say Draymond is best at it, I wonder who else has success there.

Depends on whether or not the defender is allowed to. If he's going to flail and fall easy, it's tough.

 

[msgkings322]

Depends on whether or not the defender is allowed to. If he's going to flail and fall easy, it's tough.

Those dang refs again!

 

[bksballer89]

The pressure is all on Denver tonight.

Yes because im sure the lakers would love to go down 2-0

 

[bksballer89]

There is more pressure on lakers to win this game than it was game 1

 

[shopson67]

Those dang refs again!

They're just so damn gullible, lol.

 

[shopson67]

There is more pressure on lakers to win this game than it was game 1

Sure, otherwise they need to win 4 of 5.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Yes because im sure the lakers would love to go down 2-0

Because, they would be going home where they are undefeated.

Denver cannot afford a split and possibly being down, 3-1, heading back to Denver.