For the ninth consecutive time, the Lakers bowed to the Nuggets, with a now well-known scenario. Los Angeles seems pretty good in the match, even dominating it, and then Nikola Jokic and his gang accelerate in the second half, to take control of the match and leave with the victory.
“We could have been better” recognizes LeBron Jameslimited to 8 points in the second half. “I think we played pretty well tonight, but we could have been better. »
The Lakers led by 12 points (37-49) in the second quarter but two accelerations were enough for Nikola Jokic and company to come back and regain control of the game.
Nuggets offensive rebounds weigh
“We are not going to fade away”recalls Michael Malone, the Nuggets coach. “It’s about the playoffs. In the playoffs, no team trailing by 12 points at the start of the match takes the ball to go home. Our inner fire is still strong and we know that we are better than what we played at the start of the match. »
The Nuggets especially know where to press to hurt the Lakers, as LeBron James admits.
“We know we just don't have any margin for error against Denver, especially on their home court. This is a team that has been through everything. And then, these are the title holders. So you have to execute, get the shots in, defend. »
And avoid leaving too many offensive rebounds to Aaron Gordon and company, because this additional ammunition particularly hurts when you already don't have much room for maneuver.
“We cannot allow them bonus possessions” thus concludes the “King”. “Seeing them score 18 points on second chances, while we are already trying to contain a big offensive strike force, it’s difficult. »
