OT/ Nuggets vs Lakers

[SpringStein]

AD scored 40, Bron 1 assist away from a triple/double and the Lakers shooting 54/46 and still lost. There’s no moral victory here. AD and Reaves played out of their minds. Jokic and Murray had a normal game by their standards.

That said I’m still nervous about Game 2 because Denver always struggles when they play LA so until this series is over I’m gonna be worried. We could be up 3-0 and I wouldn’t feel confident about winning the series.

I’d say both Jokic and Murray had better than normal games. 34/21/14 isn’t unheard of by Jokic - but it was the first time there has ever been a 30/20/10 playoff game. Wilt and Elgin Baylor are only two other players to do so, but theirs were in regular season.

 

[MileHigh64]

My take on the final outcome was different. If we had won that game last night by 20, I’d be predicting a game 2 win by the Lakers. Human nature is when things come easily, it’s easy to coast. Keeping the respect (legitimate respect in this case) for an opponent is key to maintaining intensity. As a coach I’d lean on that heavily going into game 2.

You could be right. At the end of the day, both of these teams know that when you're in the Western Conference Finals with a chance to get to the NBA Finals, every game is a must win. No doubt the Nuggets respect the Lakers and now, vice versa. We'll see which team makes the best adjustments tomorrow night. Really would hate to go to L.A. for game three all tied up. Go Nuggs!!

 

[LGM]

Lakers made really good adjustments in the 2nd half. Hopefully Malone figures out a counter to the Laker's change in the lineup. Joker got shut down pretty good in the 2nd half but it did open up some perimeter shooters with 3's. My biggest complaint from last night is being up by 20 at the half and allowing the enemy to claw back to within one possession. It gave the Lakers confidence heading into Game 2. We can't lose our home court advantage in this series.

Yup. I think Murray could be the difference if he can maintain his shooting. But if Lakers can limit Joker to either scoring, rebounds or assists and not a double double or triple double, they'll have a shot.

The minutes won't matter much since 40 is about what AD has been playing.

 

[SpringStein]

Yup. I think Murray could be the difference if he can maintain his shooting. But if Lakers can limit Joker to either scoring, rebounds or assists and not a double double or triple double, they'll have a shot.

The minutes won't matter much since 40 is about what AD has been playing.

Except in AD’s case, the more he plays the odds go up for the “injury waiting to happen”.

 

[SpringStein]

But I will say this - if the Lakers are to win, AD will have to play great every game.

 

[Mountain Bronco]

Jokic could stay in his PJ's and still get a double double. He had 58 in 69 games. I think LA could pull out the game 2 win as this will be a tough fought series and a great one to watch, but I don't think a LA win or DEN win in game 2 is at all decisive. This will likely go 7 games.

 

[Mingo]

But I will say this - if the Lakers are to win, AD will have to play great every game.

And so far in the playoffs that hasn't been the story.

 

[Mingo]

Boom!

 

[SpringStein]

But I will say this - if the Lakers are to win, AD will have to play great every game.

9/11 from FT line, but 4/15 from the field. I think Lakers win tonight if he had a decent game.

 

[Duffman]

9/11 from FT line, but 4/15 from the field. I think Lakers win tonight if he had a decent game.

He had a decent game last time and they lost, I know it’s not actually this way, but it certainly feels like everyone on the Lakers has to play perfect in the exact same game for them to keep up.

 

[Duffman]

Looking good so far, Denver still retains HomeCourt advantage but of course if the Lakers win both of theirs in LA, things could change at the drop of a hat.

 

[Mountain Bronco]

That was the style of game the Lakers want to play and the Nuggets still found a way to win. Murray with the flamethrowing 4th quarter. That was fun to watch.

 

[SpringStein]

That was the style of game the Lakers want to play and the Nuggets still found a way to win. Murray with the flamethrowing 4th quarter. That was fun to watch.

The first three quarters were just a teeny tiny bit stressful though!

 

[Mingo]

From what I've seen of Rui Hachimura - he's been very impressive.

NBA teams up 2-0 after home games win game 3 only 38% of the time.

The Nuggets need to continue to get AD and Lebron tried - like a prize fight where the body punches eventually cause the opposing fighter to drop his guard and sets up for a knockout. punch.

 

[SpringStein]

Definitely not optimistic tonight. Road games are tough enough, but this is close to desperation time for the Lakers. Makes them extra dangerous.

 

[Mingo]

After listening to the announcers front running for the Lakers all game - watching the Nuggets pull away at the end was very satisfying. Boom goes the Dynomite.

 

[SpringStein]

Definitely not optimistic tonight. Road games are tough enough, but this is close to desperation time for the Lakers. Makes them extra dangerous.

I’m starting to feel a bit more hopeful now.

 

[Duffman]

I’m starting to feel a bit more hopeful now.

No team has ever come back from 3-0
to win the series. We have also never beaten the Lakers in the playoffs, we’re getting an NBA first no matter which outcome happens and I ain’t gonna feel calm until that win column says 4.

If someone is going to come back, it would happen to the Nuggets against the Lakers and that’s why I’m not gonna get over confident.

 

[Mingo]

I'm all in with the "Don't count your chickens until they are hatched crowd" but the Lakers have to be demoralized. Come out on Monday with the thought of putting this series away and getting some rest.

 

[CEH]

i have game 5 tickets but mostly rooting for Nugs to close this out in LA.

Not sure LA has anything left.