The Lakers lost again, repeating the same script, like copying and pasting, and then the second half collapsed, and the rebounding was blown out. Lakers coach Darvin Ham has largely not adjusted, and the Nuggets have always found the most appropriate way to finish the game in the second half. The Lakers seem to have only one outcome against the Nuggets, and that is to lose, the difference is how long the Lakers can struggle to resist.
In the first round of the playoffs G3, the Lakers lost 105-112, fell behind 0-3 in the series, and suffered 11 consecutive defeats against the Nuggets. The Lakers faced an embarrassing situation of being swept 4-0 in the playoffs for the second year in a row.
James said after the game that praise must be given to the Nuggets, who made one difficult shot after another, and fatigue was one of the factors in the team's second-half loss to the Nuggets. James concluded: "There are no weaknesses in this team, they are one of the strongest teams I have played against in my career. ”
James has been through a lot of battles, has met a lot of strong teams, and has never been more helpless than now. James has played championship teams such as the Spurs, Celtics, and Warriors, but the Nuggets are like natural restraint, and every time they face each other, the Lakers seem to have only one way to die, and there is no way to live.
The Lakers' adaptability is at a disadvantage across the board, and in this game, the Lakers still did not adjust the starters, but the rotation lineup was adjusted, but it further exposed the shortcomings. The Lakers' roster height is not as good as the Nuggets, and Ham doesn't need to replace center Hayes. In this battle, Nuggets forwards Gordon and Porter took turns to blow up the Lakers' front.
Aaron Gordon exploded with 29 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal on 12-of-18 shooting in this game, and he admitted after the game: "We are a team with a lot of adaptability and a high ball quotient. So when we need to make adjustments, we do it quickly, we do it quickly. ”
That's right, the Nuggets have always been quick to adjust and find a way to win. In this game, the Nuggets made good use of the Lakers' empty basket. Aaron Gordon frequently eats cakes under the basket, especially when the thick eyebrows are not on the court, and when the Lakers use Hachimura to hit the center, the Nuggets attack the interior fiercely. The Nuggets are very good at making players who are in good shape shine. Jokic, Murray, Gordon and Porter all scored 20+ points in this game.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham was also convinced, saying after the game: "They have championship confidence. Their starting outfit has been working together for a long time. As starters, their net efficiency has broken records. There's always someone who can step up and play well. ”
Nuggets coach Malone made a more heartfelt speech after the game, and he felt that the Nuggets did not play their best. "Our players believe in themselves. The scary thing for me is that I think we can play much better than we have now. Malone said.
The objective fact is that the Lakers have not forced the Nuggets to the maximum energy.