The Los Angeles Lakers had a rough start in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. They were hoping to turn around their recent struggles against Nikola Jokić's team but ended up losing 114-103, similar to their sweep in last year's Western Conference Finals. Denver took control in the third quarter, erasing a 12-point lead for the Lakers. Then, in the fourth quarter, another Denver surge buried LeBron James and the Lakers.
Despite the setback, the Lakers have a big chance to shift the series in Game 2 on Monday. To do that, they'll need to step up in a few key areas.
Russell Westbrook is crucial for the Lakers, often serving as their barometer. While he's been playing well in recent months, he struggled in Game 1, shooting just 6-of-20 overall and 1-of-9 from 3-point range. He needs to find his shooting touch, especially since he was the only Lakers player to shoot under 50% from the field. In last year's series against the Nuggets, he attempted only 7.8 shots per game, so his high shot attempts in Game 1 were a positive sign. If he can rediscover his 41.5% 3-point shooting from the regular season, the Lakers could secure a win in Game 2.
Rebounding is another area where the Lakers need to improve. In their nine consecutive losses to the Nuggets, they've often been outrebounded, especially on the offensive glass. In Game 1, the Nuggets had 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points. Limiting these opportunities will be key for the Lakers.
Maintaining a strong transition game is vital for the Lakers. While they started well in the first quarter of Game 1, their fast break diminished as the game progressed. By securing rebounds and pushing the pace, they can capitalize on their speed and athleticism. Despite ranking third in fast-break points during the regular season, they were outscored by the Nuggets in this category in Game 1.
Finally, the Lakers need to stay composed when the Nuggets go on runs. Too often, they've become rattled, leading to poor ball movement, questionable shot selection, and turnovers. They must focus on getting a score to halt Denver's momentum and avoid compounding mistakes.
If the Lakers can address these areas, they stand a good chance of turning the tide in Game 2 and beyond.
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