Poor decisions and mental lapses by the Nuggets might cost them this series—it definitely contributed significantly to their loss in Game 3. In a play almost identical to Game 1, Trevor Ariza again had a steal off an inbounds pass in the waning seconds of the game. At this point of the playoffs, teams must be disciplined enough to learn from previous mistakes and control the minute details. Kenyon Martin has to have the court awareness to know that he simply cannot lead Carmelo to that extent on the inbounds pass.
The Nuggets shooting in Game 3 was horrendous. The Nuggets stopped attacking the basket and fell in love with the three point shot. Carmelo, Chauncey Billups, and J.R. Smith combined to go 5-24 from long distance. The Nuggets failed to make the proper in game adjustments. Instead of tweaking their offensive game plan the Nuggets continued to heave three pointers at a percentage of 18.5%. Inexplicably, the Nuggets migrated away from attacking the basket and playing in the paint—something that had been an asset to them in the two games in L.A.
The Lakers did what was necessary to win the game, and finally put together an effective offensive and defensive quarter, which allowed them to overcome a 79-71 deficit heading into the fourth. As a defender, Pau Gasol held his man scoreless in the fourth quarter and he picked up the offensive slack for a stretch in the quarter when Kobe, as he himself admitted, “didn’t have anything”. The only 30 point quarter that the Lakers pulled out was the final quarter.
Each one of these games has come down to execution in the final minutes—the Lakers have succeeded and Denver has failed. The Lakers lead the series 2-1.
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Why do I feel like Kobe missed out on important lessons that all children basically learn in the school yard? Don't be a douche, don't be a pretentious beeyotch? Both lessons skipped, apparently.
ReplyDeleteAll laker hate aside, nice work on the blog- and best of luck vs. the john denvers
-bdeezy
I think Denver will win in seven games.This series could go either way.If the Lakers don't take advantage of their size then they will lose this series.Pal go strong or not at all.By num stop complaing about your minutes and shots,you are playing with the second best player in the NBA ENJOY IT.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Orlando will send the Cavs fishing.The Lakers or Nuggets should defeat the Magic in six.I am surprised that the role players of Denver are playing as well as they are.Smith should be guarded very closely he plays like a starter.When is Fisher going to show up?
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