Playoffs Day 30 As AD Wins Game 2! 9.20.20
It’s Day 30 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 2 of the WCF between the Lakers and the Nuggets.
It’s Day 30 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 2 of the WCF between the Lakers and the Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets lost Game 2 against the Lakers. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After getting dominated in Game 1, the Nuggets would need a Game 2 win to stay in the series. Jokic and Murray would need to be much better in order for the Nuggets to win. And the Nuggets were playing like they did in Game 1 as they feel behind early. The Nuggets trailed by 10 at halftime. But per usual, the Nuggets didn’t give up. They cut the lead to 4 entering the 4th and continued to make it tough for the Lakers. But after trailing 100-92, Nikola Jokic showed up. He scored 11 straight Denver points and Denver took a 103-102 lead with 20.8 seconds left. And Denver locked down the Lakers on the other end. Jamal Murray blocked Danny Green out of the corner and the Lakers had just 2.1 seconds to win. And they did. AD hit a left-wing 3 at the buzzer and Denver lost 105-103. Denver trails 2-1 in the series.
Offensively the Nuggets were great as they shot 47% from the field and 33% from 3. Denver was also 25/33 from the free throw line. The Nuggets turned it over 19 times. Denver also had 40 points in the paint.
Defensively the Nuggets were poor as LA shot 45% from the field and 36% from 3. LA was also 18/19 from the free throw line. Denver allowed 13 offensive rebounds. Denver forced 23 turnovers. The Nuggets also allowed 34 points in the paint.
Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jamal Murray had 25 points and 6 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Nuggets had this game in hand, about to tie the series 1-1. But they allowed AD too much room and they lost. Nikola Jokic was incredible down the stretch to put the Nuggets in that situation, but the Nuggets have to be able to close out that. Now trailing 0-2, the Nuggets find themselves in familiar territory. They have to win Game 3 in order to stay alive, otherwise their season is as good as over.
LA Lakers
The Lakers won Game 2 against the Nuggets. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After dominating Game 1, the Lakers looked to double-down and take Game 2. They would be facing an incredible resilient Nuggets team, but AD and Lebron would also be tough to handle. And the Lakers dominated in the first half. They controlled the first half and led by 10 at halftime. But then the Nuggets started to creep back in it. The Lakers lead was just 4 entering the 4th, but the Lakers were in control. Leading 100-92 with 3 minutes left, the game was seemingly over. But the Lakers let Denver back into it again. Nikola Jokic scored 11 straight points and the Nuggets took a 103-102 lead with 20.8 seconds left. The Lakers next possession was messy and after Danny Green was blocked, the Lakers had just 2 seconds left to score. They would need a miracle. That miracle was answered as AD hit a left-wing 3 at the buzzer and the Lakers won 105-103, taking a 2-0 series lead.
Offensively the Lakers were great as they shot 45% from the field and 36% from 3. LA was also 18/19 from the free throw line. The Lakers had 13 offensive rebounds. LA had 23 turnovers. LA also had 34 points in the paint.
Defensively the Lakers were poor as Denver shot 47% from the field and 33% from 3. Denver was also 25/33 from the free throw line. The Lakers forced 19 turnovers. The Lakers also allowed 40 points in the paint.
Anthony Davis had 31 points and 9 rebounds. Lebron James had 26 points and 11 rebounds. KCP and Danny Green added 11 points each.
Conclusion
The Lakers looked solid throughout this game, however there were some breakdowns. The Lakers allowed Denver back into the game in the 4th, and they really shouldn’t have. Now they took advantage of Denver’s poor defense on the final possession, and because of that they won. I think that the Lakers are obviously happy with the win, but they were sloppy on both ends. Look for them to take care of that entering Game 3 on Tuesday.
What Are Your Thoughts From Day 30? Leave A Comment Down Below!
My Thoughts On Some Topics From Day 30 Will Be Posted Tomorrow, So Stay Tuned!
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