The Denver Nuggets have had the Los Angeles Lakers‘ number in recent years. After sweeping LA out of the 2023 Western Conference Finals in the bubble, Denver has now won 11 straight matchups against the Lakers.
This dominance has continued into the 2024 first-round playoff series between these teams.
Nuggets Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
After taking the first two games in Denver, the Nuggets went into Los Angeles and grinded out a 112-105 victory in Game 3.
Aaron Gordon led Denver with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists.
The Nuggets used a strong third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 32-22 in the period, to take control of the game.
Jamal Murray added 22 points in the win. Despite 33 points from Anthony Davis and 26 from LeBron James, LA could not overcome Denver‘s balanced attack.
Familiar Territory for the Lakers Against the Nuggets
Unfortunately for Los Angeles, this feels all too familiar. Denver knocked off the Lakers in 4 games in the 2023 Western Conference Finals in the bubble.
Now on the verge of a second straight postseason sweep at the hands of the Nuggets, some are wondering if LA has any answers for the defending champs.
Since December 2022, the Lakers have lost 7 straight matchups against the Nuggets.
Denver center Nikola Jokic seems to always get the better of LA, leaving many to speculate whether the Lakers have any chance to take down Denver as currently constructed.
Lakers Face Uphill Climb to Avoid Sweep
The Lakers already had their backs against the wall down 0-2 in the series. After the Game 3 loss, their margin for error is completely gone. If LA is to have any hope of mounting a comeback, it starts with winning Game 4 at home.
Teams have come back from 0-3 deficits to win playoff series before, but it is exceptionally rare.
Not only would the Lakers have to win 4 straight, but they would have to break a long losing streak against Denver. The Nuggets, on the other hand, seem poised to quickly advance to the second round yet again.
Adjustments the Lakers Must Make
If Los Angeles wants to extend this series and start a winning streak against the Nuggets, they will need to make some key adjustments ahead of Game 4:
- Get more bench production – Aside from Austin Reaves’ 22 points, the LA bench failed to give much contribution. More is needed from Russell, Hachimura and others.
- Improve perimeter shooting – The Lakers missed 15 of their first 16 three-pointers, crippling their offense. Better shot-making is a must.
- Control tempo better – Allowing Denver to dictate the pace and play their style of game is a recipe for defeat.
- Continue pounding inside – Anthony Davis dominated with 33 points. LA should lean on him heavily again in the post.
Nuggets Staying Focused Despite Lakers’ Struggles
While Denver seems supremely confident against the Lakers, Nuggets players are keeping their eyes focused inwards.
When asked about defeating Los Angeles again after Game 3, Gordon downplayed the opponent and said the Nuggets are simply “focusing on being great each and every night.”
This mindset has clearly fueled Denver‘s current 11-game winning streak against the Lakers.
If they stay laser-focused on their own quality of play, the Nuggets appear fully capable of sweeping LA for the second-straight postseason.
Keys for Denver to Finish Off Sweep in Game 4
As they head into Game 4 looking to complete the sweep, here is what Denver must do to finish off LA:
- Shut down role players – While Davis and James get theirs, stopping the likes of Reaves, Russell and Hachimura is critical.
- Keep up balanced scoring – Having 5 players in double-figures again would give LA headaches.
- Control the glass – The Nuggets dominated rebounding in Game 3. Repeating this could lead them to victory.
- Get Jokic going early – When the MVP candidate gets hot beginning, it sets the tone for Denver‘s offense.
Sources:
www.si.com/nba/nuggets/denver-nuggets-star-statement-dominance-lakers
www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/gordon-jokic-lead-the-nuggets-to-the-brink-of-a-sweep-with-a-112-105-win-over-the-lakers-in-game-3-2/
