The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday, with a final score of 114-103. This marks Denver’s ninth consecutive victory over Los Angeles, a trend that began during last year’s Conference Finals. Despite trying new tactics and showing early promise, the Lakers couldn’t hold off Denver’s powerful offense, led by Nikola Jokic.
Familiar Frustrations Resurface
Despite assurances from Nuggets coach Mike Malone that this Lakers team looked no different from last year’s, the Lakers threw some early curveballs. They started with an adjusted rotation for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, opting for longer initial stints on the court. They also implemented a more structured offensive approach, a strategy that had proven successful during the regular season.
These tactics initially seemed to disrupt Denver, allowing the Lakers to build a 12-point lead in the second quarter. However, a quick surge from Denver’s starters erased the deficit and shifted the momentum.
Russell’s Performance Raises Concerns
D’Angelo Russell’s performance in Game 1 revived concerns about his playoff consistency. Despite entering the series determined to redeem himself from past playoff struggles, Russell struggled to find his rhythm. He finished the game shooting 6-for-20 from the field, including a dismal 1-for-9 from three-point range. His three assists were overshadowed by costly turnovers and a lack of defensive presence.
Russell’s struggles highlight a critical question for the Lakers: can they afford to continue giving him significant minutes if his performance doesn’t improve? Coach Darvin Ham may need to consider alternative lineup options to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Winning on the Margins: A Non-Negotiable
The Nuggets’ overall dominance against the Lakers was evident in key statistical categories. Denver outscored Los Angeles by 21 points from beyond the arc, a significant margin that the Lakers struggled to overcome. Additionally, Denver’s dominance on the offensive glass, coupled with the Lakers’ turnover woes, provided the Nuggets with extra scoring opportunities that proved decisive.
While the Lakers might always face an uphill battle against Jokic and the Nuggets, tightening up their game in crucial areas is non-negotiable. They’ll need to find a way to close the gap in three-point shooting, limit turnovers, and improve their rebounding to have any chance of turning the series around.
Can the Lakers Bounce Back?
The Lakers demonstrated a willingness to try new strategies in Game 1, which is encouraging. However, they’ll need to make significant adjustments if they hope to overcome a determined Denver team. The series is far from over, but the Lakers will need to quickly address their weaknesses to avoid another disappointing playoff exit.
