On May 19, Beijing time, the Nuggets defeated the Lakers 108-103 at home, changing the total score to 2-0. James had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists, Thick Eyebrow 18 points and 14 rebounds, Jokic 23 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists, and a triple-double, Murray 37 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Where did the Lakers lose this game? In this issue of "Data Don't Lie", let's discuss this topic.
Defeat 1: James' three-point is too ironclad
When James and Thick Eyebrows couldn't find their touch, it was too difficult for the Lakers to win. Although James was 9 of 19, he made 0 of 6 three-pointers, counting 0 of 4 from three-point range in the Western Conference G1, and 0 of 10 from three-point range in this series, and the outside line was too iron. The data shows that this is the 12th time James has not hit a three-point shot this season, and the Lakers have won 4-8 in these 12 games.
According to statistics, James has now missed 19 consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter, the longest consecutive shooting record in nearly 25 years. The last time James made a three-point shot late in the playoffs was in the G2 game against the Grizzlies in the first round. James's foot with a thick eyebrow during the game and once fell to the ground looked very painful, which was also heart-wrenching.
Cause 2: Thick eyebrows are depressed, suspected knee discomfort
He also had 40 points and 10 rebounds in the last game, and although he hit a three-point shot in the fourth quarter, he still only played 4-of-15 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range. The Lakers only scored 103 points, and this season when they scored no more than 104 points, the Lakers lost all 12 games!
Similar to James's situation, what worries Lakers fans more is the thick eyebrow knee. The reporter in front said that the thick eyebrows bent over to check his knees many times during the game, and seemed to feel uncomfortable. If Thick Brow is plagued by injuries, his condition will be significantly affected. The data shows that when James' total score does not exceed 40 points, the Lakers are 2-6.
Defeat 3: Murray broke out at the end
The Lakers went into the final quarter with a 3-point advantage in hand, but in the final quarter, Murray exploded. In the first three quarters, Murray was not in good shape, shooting 5 of 17 and 2 of 9 from three-point range, scoring 14 points. The Lakers could not have imagined that this terrible scorer would become the Lakers' terminator in the final quarter. In the final quarter, Murray scored 23 points in a single quarter, while the Lakers had only 24 points in the fourth quarter. In this quarter, Murray was 6 of 7 and 4 of 5 from three-point range, which was really ruthless!
Defeat 4: Insufficient strength to limit Jokic
Hachimura's limitation of Jokic's performance in the final G1 quarter gave Lakers fans hope, but it turned out that Joki was worthy of being the MVP for two consecutive years, and even if his shooting percentage dropped, the Lakers still couldn't limit his overall impact. Jokic had another triple-double, dropping to 23 points, but he still had 17 rebounds and 12 assists.
In the game, Jokic and James showed off their acting skills, and both were suspected of fake falls when facing each other. James's exaggerated fall caused the audience to boo, but Mr. Joe was soon able to get James to receive a foul in color.
Some of the Lakers' strategies, including pockets, James' single defense, etc., have achieved a little effect, and Jokic has also been consumed, but he is not fighting alone. He can activate teammates with passes, and Murray in the final quarter is the best example.
With the Western Conference finals G3 kicking off on May 21 and returning to Los Angeles with a 0-2 scoreline, do the Lakers still have any hope of winning the series? At least, former NBA player Jalen Ross isn't bullish on them. Before the game, Rose said: "If the Lakers can't win today, they're finished." In the first two series, the Lakers won G1. But if they can't win today, the Lakers can't beat the Nuggets 4 times in the next 5 games. "What do you think?