The Lakers and Pelicans played out today, and the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 110-106 on the road, and they also locked up seventh in the West, where they will meet the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. In this game, James had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists, and Davis had 20 points and 15 rebounds. Russell had 21 points and six assists. Vincent, who came off the bench, had nine points and four rebounds.
Today's game is a defensive battle, so it will be a great test of the Lakers' defense from the outside. Vincent got 17 minutes off the bench today, finishing with nine points, four rebounds and one assist on 3-of-6 shooting, and his effect on the court was outstanding, both on the defensive and offensive ends. Today he hit two three-pointers from beyond the three-point line. You know, in a whole season, when the Chinese Sente rarely hit a three-point shot. He hit two three-pointers in a crucial play-off game today, which really surprised many fans.
Vincent's regular season was very sluggish, with a run of nil points in consecutive games, but today he was so good in a crucial play-off game that many people thought he was a player made for the playoffs. After the Lakers enter the playoffs, Vincent may play an X-factor, especially when they play the Nuggets, Vincent may be a great candidate to defend Murray.
The reason why the Lakers don't have any advantage in meeting the Nuggets is because they have Jokic on the inside, and Jokic has an absolute crushing advantage over Davis. And on the other hand, the Nuggets have a super strong Murray. Murray's ability to make key shots is very strong, and as soon as he reaches the second half of the fourth quarter, Murray will step up and close the game. So if Vincent pinched Murray at this point, then maybe the Lakers still have some chance to win. After all, they lacked a player as tough defensively as Vincent last season.
The Lakers' encounter with the Nuggets is not how to limit Jokic, because Jokic has no way to be limited. Even Gobert, the league's best interior defender, can't limit Jokic, and all they need to do is choke the Nuggets' perimeter, especially Murray and Porter Jr. If those two points can make them lose their crosshairs, then the Lakers have a good chance of winning. Because you can't beat a team alone, no matter how good you are. That's the key to the Lakers' victory over the Nuggets. And Vincent has to play the role of a defensive spearhead.