THE Nuggets lead 2-0 against Lakers, while the series switches to Los Angeles, with Game 3 next night (04:00). However, Nikola Jokic and his teammates won the first two games from behind, coming back 12 points behind in the second quarter during Game 1, then 20 points behind in the third quarter during the Game 2. A “habit” that Mike Malone would like to change…
However, the Colorado coach also knows that his team does not like to play with a lead and that they are in fact better, and more focused, when they are behind in the score.
“Our history says that when you get a long lead, you tend to relax” thus reminds the coach. “And we then put aside what allowed us to make the gap. When we are down by 20 points, we are under pressure, we become desperate, hungry. So I hope we get a little ahead, but not too much. »
Objective: not to lose the first quarter
Mike Malone still set the goal for his players to come out in the lead at the end of the first quarter. Because overcoming a handicap at home is one thing, but it is more difficult outside.
“They are going to be very aggressive”however announces Michael Porter Jr. on the Lakers. “They showed they could stand up to us on our field. They largely led in both matches. In their place, I'm sure I'd be confident. Just knowing that they were in the game both times, that they had big leads… Going home, I'm sure they're confident.”
Given that they have lost the last ten meetings between the two teams and are well aware that they have no margin for error against the Nuggets, it is doubtful that the Lakers are that confident.
However, they also know that they have the weapons to beat Nikola Jokic and his gang. Either way, if they lose again tonight and find themselves down 0-3, the series is over. In the history of the NBA, no team has ever come back from such a deficit, even if the Celtics believed in it last year against the Heat…
