The Denver Nuggets kicked off the Western Conference finals with an exhilarating victory against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1. Despite being down by 21 points at one stage, the Lakers made a valiant effort to come back, falling just short of tying the game in the final moments. LeBron James, the Lakers’ star player, was visibly stunned by the outcome, summing up the intensity of the match with an exclamation of “Oh my god.” The Nuggets, as the top seed in the West, demonstrated their dominance, powered by an outstanding performance from their two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, who recorded an impressive triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks. Jamal Murray also shined with 31 points on an efficient shooting percentage.
Lakers’ Strategic Adjustments Pay Off
In their journey through the playoffs, the Lakers have showcased their ability to make crucial adjustments, which proved effective against the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. Coach Darvin Ham’s tactical decisions in Game 1 allowed the Lakers to gain momentum in the second half. Defensively, the Lakers assigned Rui Hachimura to guard Jokic, enabling Anthony Davis to provide crucial support as the last line of defense. The change in defensive matchups yielded significant results, as Denver struggled to score efficiently when Hachimura marked Jokic. Research from ESPN Stats & Information revealed a substantial disparity in points per play and shooting percentages for the Nuggets when defended by Davis compared to Hachimura.
Offensively, the Lakers exploited mismatches by involving LeBron James in pick-and-rolls, primarily targeting Jamal Murray. This strategy proved successful in the second half, with James contributing 15 points and six assists during that period. Coach Ham emphasized the importance of such tactics, especially considering Murray’s foul trouble in the game.
Confidence and Team Outlook
Despite the Game 1 loss, Lakers’ leaders remain optimistic about their chances in the series. Coach Ham expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, stating, “We’ll be OK. Trust me.” LeBron James echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the team underperformed in the first half but affirming their determination to improve for Game 2.
As the Nuggets boast a sizeable lineup, featuring players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray alongside Jokic, Coach Ham may consider adjusting the Lakers’ starting lineup for Game 2. Deploying Rui Hachimura, who possesses significant size, from the beginning of the game seems like a logical move. However, a potential challenge lies in deciding which of the Lakers’ starting guards, Dennis Schroder and D’Angelo Russell, would be better suited to come off the bench. While Russell’s performance in Game 1 was lackluster, team sources express concerns about demoting him and the potential impact on his morale.
Embracing the Underdog Role
For the first time in this year’s playoffs, the Lakers find themselves in an underdog position. This shift in perspective calls for a reassessment of their strategy and mindset. Instead of playing with a series lead, the Lakers now need to focus on equalizing the series against the Nuggets. LeBron James emphasizes the importance of approaching Game 2 with desperation, acknowledging that regardless of the score margin, a loss is a loss in the postseason. The Lakers aim to elevate their performance across all facets of the game, particularly rebounding, in order to level the series and regain momentum.