Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets came off of two straight comebacks and looked tired and overmatched against the Lakers. They managed to hang in with the Lakers in the first quarter and even took a small lead at the end of the quarter 38-36. This didn’t last long; the Lakers cranked it up and never looked back. The Lakers won 126-114.
The Nuggets allowed the second-most points this postseason in Friday’s game. Needless to say, their defense was an issue. Foul trouble also played a factor as many of their star players (C Nikola Jokic, G Jamal Murray, and F Paul Millsap) met with foul trouble before the half. Only three players, Jokic (21), Murray (21), and F Michael Porter Jr (14), managed to break double figures. The Nuggets will not be enough to match with the Lakers’ offense right now.
The Lakers were led by F Anthony Davis (12-21FG 1-3 3PT 12-15FT 37PTS 10REB 4AST 3TO 33MIN). The Nuggets had no answer for Davis and didn’t make him break a sweat. Davis was able to do some serious damage with 33 minutes of work. The Lakers had five players score in double digits: Davis, F Lebron James, G Kentavious Caldwell Pope, F Kyle Kuzma, and C Dwight Howard. The attack was balanced, and many players got minutes to allow the starters to sit longer than most games. The Lakers took advantage of the 16 turnovers they forced and any missed shots by killing the Nuggets in transition baskets, keeping them from making a comeback.
The Lakers dominated this game, and if they keep this play up, this series will be over fast. However, every team who played the Nuggets seemed to take their foot off the gas just enough to strike and take the momentum.