The Lakers faced a 114-103 loss in Game 1 of their first round matchup with Denver, and there are five key takeaways from the game. Firstly, LeBron James and Anthony Davis had a strong showing, combining for 59 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to outplay the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who had 54 points, 18 rebounds, and 17 assists. The Lakers’ stars need to step up their game to overcome the Nuggets.
The Lakers struggled in areas they had identified as weaknesses going into the game – defensive rebounding and transition defense. The Nuggets had a 17-point edge in second-chance and fast-break points, highlighting these areas as Achilles heels for the Lakers. The team needs to improve in both departments to stand a chance against the Nuggets in the upcoming games.
D’Angelo Russell had a tough night, going 6 of 20 from the field in Game 1. Despite his struggles, Russell remains a crucial player for the Lakers, and his positivity and aggression are essential for the team’s success. The Lakers have won only four games this season when Russell has shot 30% worse, emphasizing his importance to the team’s success.
The Lakers’ defense struggled to contain Nikola Jokic in the second half, with some suggesting that the team’s coverages became too predictable. Jokic had a strong performance, shooting efficiently throughout the game. The Lakers need to mix up their defensive strategies and make adjustments to contain Jokic in the upcoming games.
The Lakers also struggled in making shots, attempting 13 fewer threes and making seven less than the Nuggets. This 21-point edge in three-point shooting proved crucial in the outcome of Game 1. The team needs to improve their shooting performance and clean up on the glass to have a better chance against the Nuggets in Game 2.
Overall, the Lakers faced a tough loss in Game 1, but there are areas for improvement heading into the rest of the series. The team needs to focus on turning their weaknesses into strengths, with James and Davis leading the charge. With adjustments in their defensive strategies, shooting efficiency, and rebounding, the Lakers can bounce back and compete against the Nuggets in the upcoming games.
