Lakers' Resilient Second-Half Adjustments Make Nuggets Nervous in Game 1 Loss
In an intense Game 1 clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, they displayed their resilience and nearly stole the Western Conference finals opener. Despite facing a daunting 21-point deficit and struggling on the boards, the Lakers had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds. LeBron James, visibly impressed by his team's valiant effort, expressed confidence despite the loss.
As the top-seeded team in the West, the Nuggets showcased their prowess with standout performances from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. However, the Lakers proved their ability to outmaneuver opponents with well-executed adjustments. Coach Darvin Ham's strategic changes in the second half, coupled with a dominant display from Anthony Davis, kept the Lakers within striking distance.
One crucial defensive adjustment was assigning Rui Hachimura to guard Jokic, allowing Davis to provide support as the last line of defense. The impact was evident in the statistics: when Davis defended Jokic, the Nuggets averaged 1.45 points per play and shot 66% from the field. However, with Hachimura guarding Jokic, the Nuggets only managed 0.67 points per play and shot a mere 20% from the field.
Hachimura, prepared by the Lakers' coaching staff for the challenging matchup, used his size advantage and employed tactics like leveraging his weight on Jokic's knee to limit his mobility. Offensively, the Lakers capitalized on Murray's foul trouble during James' pick-and-roll plays, leading to the veteran's effective scoring and playmaking contributions.
Team leaders maintain their confidence in bouncing back as the Lakers find themselves trailing in a series for the first time in the playoffs. Coach Ham reassured his team, believing in their abilities, while LeBron James emphasized their determination to improve in Game 2.
Considering the Nuggets' formidable lineup, which includes Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Murray alongside Jokic, a starting lineup adjustment involving Hachimura's size seems logical for the Lakers. However, the decision regarding the Lakers' starting backcourt from Game 1, Dennis Schroder and D'Angelo Russell, poses a challenge. While Russell's performance was subpar, there are concerns about potentially demoting him, as he has started every other game in the postseason. Schroder has proven his comfort coming off the bench in the past.
The Lakers, seeded seventh, now experience the underdog role for the first time in the playoffs. They must focus on even-ing up the series and reflect on what it will take to succeed without the advantage of a series lead. LeBron James emphasized the importance of playing with desperation and improving in all facets of the game for Game 2. The Lakers' resilience and determination will be tested as they aim to bounce back and regain control of the series.
Source: https://www.espn.in/nba/story/_/id/37667294/lakers-2nd-half-adjustments-put-scare-nuggets-g1-loss