The Los Angeles Lakers failed to keep the momentum going in their first game in Denver.
The Nuggets hit the ground running and led by as many as 21 points early, but the Lakers kept fighting their way back into the game, up to the point where they had a legit chance to tie things up.
That’s why coach Darvin Ham isn’t worried the slightest despite their slow start and dropping the first game on the road, and he vowed his team will be better and ready in the rematch.
"We'll be okay. Trust me."
Darvin Ham after Game 1 pic.twitter.com/LkJOLhwgwx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 17, 2023
The Lakers have to feel great about themselves after losing by just six, all things considered.
Then again, they shouldn’t be so relaxed after allowing the Nuggets to put up 132 points on them.
Denver shot 54% from the field, 46% from three-point range, and knocked down 17 of 22 free throws (77%).
Jokic had one of the greatest performances of his career — and perhaps one of the greatest individual performances in NBA playoffs history — by scoring 34 points with 21 rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks.
He completely manhandled Anthony Davis offensively, cementing his status as the best player still left in contention.
Davis also had a solid performance overall with 40 points, ten boards, and a couple of blocks, and LeBron James fell one assist shy of a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
High-scoring matchups may not favor the Lakers’ defensive style, but at least they proved that they won’t back down or just give up despite being down 20, and that’s also a moral win.
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