Lakers fall to Nuggets in Game 1
DENVER — The Lakers' fourth-quarter comeback was cut short on Tuesday with a 132-126 loss to the Nuggets to start the series 0-1 for the first time in the playoffs.
After getting punched in the first two quarters, it looked like the Lakers couldn't shake off Denver, with every shot they took either going in or being answered with a second-chance opportunity. Despite inconsistencies, the Lakers' fourth-quarter run got them within three after a huge Austin Reaves three, but the first-half woes put them into a battle with time.
“We’ve got to understand that we’ve got to start from the tip-off. They punched us in the mouth to start,” said LeBron James.
Down by three with under 50 seconds left, LeBron James had the opportunity to tie the game or drive on Jamal Murray with five fouls to put more pressure on the Nuggets. LeBron opted for the three-point shot for the tie, falling just short of the iron as the Lakers couldn’t get the score within reach again.
The Lakers' decision to go small with Dennis Schroder to start the game ultimately bit them in the first half, with Denver taking full advantage with nine offensive rebounds in the first quarter. The Nuggets ended the game with 15 offensive rebounds while outrebounding the Lakers 47-30, with Nikola Jokić accounting for 21 rebounds.
The Lakers found success late in the fourth with a rejuvenated lineup that included all starters but Rui Hachimura, who came in for D’Angelo Russell to give them a bigger lineup to match with Denver. Hachimura's insertion helped the Lakers defend Jokic with more help defense and allowed more versatility for Anthony Davis to roam around the paint.
Jokić finished with a triple-double of 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists.
The Lakers shot a high percentage from three, similar to Denver, making 11-of-24 for 45.8%, with the Nuggets making 15-for-32 for 46.9%.
Anthony Davis matched Jokić’s big night with a masterful showing; unfortunately, being on the losing end, Davis showed what’s to come in this series as the two battled beautifully for their ball club.
Davis finished with a game-high 40 points on 14-for-23 shooting, 60.8%, with 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks in 41 minutes.
The Lakers' loss overshadowed the brilliant performance of the 38-year-old LeBron, who finished one assist shy of a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
LeBron spoke on the Lakers' effort in the first half, and the size disadvantage to start the game is what ultimately didn't get them over the hump in Game 1.
“We’ll be better,” said LeBron. “They were just making shots with hands in their faces, but we’ll be better in Game 2, that’s for sure.”
Reaves gave the Lakers a sharpshooting threat with 11 in the fourth quarter, going 3-for-4 throughout the fourth. Reaves finished with 23 points on 5-for-9 shooting from three, 55%, and 7-for-14, 50%, with eight assists and two rebounds in 42 minutes.
Rui Hachimura’s spark in the fourth quarter could be the game plan moving forward in Game 2 and throughout the series, as the Lakers found success defensively with Hachimura's matchup with Jokić.
Hachimura finished with 17 points in 28 minutes off the bench, shooting 72.7% on 8-for-11 from the field.
“It was a part of our game plan. The coaches told me I was going to guard Jokić,” said Hachimura. “I think the second half, we did a pretty good job on him.”
Game 2 will remain in Denver on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN.
