The Nuggets Survive A Furious Lakers Comeback To Win Game 1 Thanks To Nikola Jokic Being An Absolute Freaking Monster
Yeah, so the Lakers made some good second-half adjustments and held Nikola Jokic to three fourth-quarter points, but by the time LA figured some shit out, it was too little, too late. Joker had already struck, ensured that he had the last laugh and made it seem almost impossible to stop him. There was (just) enough cushion to prevent a full-blown Nuggets collapse.
SIXTEEN first-half rebounds for Jokic!! Like what the actual hell?? I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Many thought the Lakers' size was going to give him major problems. Hell, Anthony Davis BY HIMSELF should be enough of an impediment to faze the should-be-three-time reigning two-time MVP.
How about a third-quarter buzzer beater in AD's eye?
For whatever reason the Lakers wanted to keep switching, helping and double-teaming Joker. It doesn't matter where he is on the floor. He has the vision, basketball instincts and wherewithal to make the right play almost every single time. They kinda fucked with his head by taking AD off him down the stretch and sticking Rui Hachimura on him mostly, so I guess either keep doing that or, you know, let AD take him one-on-one and let the chips fall where they may.
This was one of the most entertaining playoff matchups I can recall. The levels of shotmaking and execution were absurd.
Slash lines:
- LA: 54.8 FG% / 45.8 3FG% / 88.5 FT%
- Denver: 54.9 FG% / 46.9 3FG% / 77.3 FT%
Only seven Laker turnovers and 11 giveaways fro the Nuggets, by the way. It was to the point where every time I thought Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was making every fucking thing he looked at. He pretty much did. Or at least it felt like it. Twenty-one points from KCP feels like 50.
Don't want to take anything away from Anthony Davis. Jokic's early success wasn't all on him by any means. Plus, AD was feasting on the offensive end in his own right. Joker wasn't ready for that smoke.
LeBron had a quiet 26-12-9 line. Year 20. You know, no big deal. Game 1s are usually feel-out affairs for him. He's still pretty good, ICYBMI or are in denial of reality. EDIT: I'll acknowledge how much hate LeBron will get anyway for how un-clutch he is. Let's roll 'em out. Go ahead. Celebrate while you can, y'all.
Anyway, Jamal Murray was actually questionable with an illness but still managed a 31-5-5 performance. That'll maybe get lost amid Jokic's greatness but shouldn't. Honestly it's nuts how many dudes came to play in Denver. All the stars showed up in some form or fashion. Unbelievable series we're in for if this is any indication.
But yeah…I'm sure some folks will go ahead and fire up the conspiracy theories about free throw attempts. As if the Lakers haven't led the league in that department all season.
If I were the Nuggets, I'd be a little worried. IDK. Maybe you take solace in the fact that AD generally only shows up full-tilt on offense every other game. Nevertheless, Denver was up by as many as 21 and in control most of the way. That the Lakers had a chance even come close to forcing OT or stealing a win on the road is mind-boggling given how hot the hosts' start was and how brilliant Jokic was for three quarters.
Game 2 on Thursday. Lakers won't start that badly again. Can't wait to see the chess match and counter-move from Michael Malone against what Darvin Ham threw at him late in the opener.
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