![]() ![]() What else? Rebounding, for one, continues to be a strength for the Lakers against Denver. On Kobe Bryant:Īccording to the Elias Sports Bureau, this is the 17th time that Bryant has scored at least 10 points in the fourth quarter of a Lakers playoff win when the Lakers trailed in the fourth quarter, a statistic that is much more meaningful and relevant than the misleading statistic that some people-including ESPN’s Mike Wilbon-mistakenly believe proves that the Lakers would win more frequently if Bryant attempted fewer shots (there is a difference between correlation and causation but I will address that whole issue in a separate article) anyone who thinks that the Lakers would have won this game if Bryant had attempted fewer shots needs to have his head examined. I know we've already talked about him, but this bit by David Friedman bears repeating. But though it was an ugly, ugly game, there was more yet to be pleased with. Trevor Ariza's defense, Derek Fisher's late shooting, and Kobe Bryant's everything, as well as some stretches of very strong defense and an ability to flip that switch and make the right plays at the end of the game, all led to a gritty win. ![]() We've touched on some of the positives that enabled the Lakers to emerge victorious from the Game 1 scrum. The latter is the longer list, so we'll start with the former. In focusing now on Game 2, let's take another look at Game 1, where we'll see the positive things that the Lakers need to build on, and the negatives that they need to improve on. To win when so much went wrong showed maturity, mental toughness, resiliency, determination, and the kind of mindset that will be necessary for the Lakers to win a championship. The team played poorly for the first 42 minutes, and even in the final six, they were only as good as their best player. ![]() The Lakers' Game 1 win over the Nuggets on Monday was so gratifying because it was so difficult, and because it showed the team's resolve. Why? Because Tuesday night didn't go so well. Thursday night? Things should only continue to improve. Wednesday night made it a little bit better. ![]() The Nuggets would have probably lost one more game than the Lakers did, but they would have still took the series in six games and I firmly believe in that statement.Tuesday night ended well for Lakers fans. A prime Dwight Howard would have given the post players some trouble, but the firepower the Nuggets possessed in Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and J.R. As a result, it is a safe assumption that Denver would have handled the Magic fairly well. The Magic did not put up much of a fight against Los Angeles. So, what if things turned out different? What if the Nuggets actually took the series and went to the NBA Finals to battle the Orlando Magic.įirst of all, let’s clear one thing up. A series which was one of the most entertaining in Denver’s history despite losing. The Lakers eventually took the series in six games, but it was a very competitive series. Sadly, the Los Angeles Lakers led by a prime Kobe Bryant got in the way in the Western Conference Finals. Not to mention, they were surrounded by an underrated core which consisted of the likes of J.R. With Colorado’s own, Chauncey Billups, leading the way at point guard, the team looked like a legitimate sleeper for the NBA championship.Ĭarmelo Anthony was hungry for a NBA title and was entering the prime of his career. The Denver Nuggets had arguably their best season of their franchise history in the 2009 season. By Mathew Huff 5 years ago As we continue the off season for the Denver Nuggets, we will be starting a new “what if,” series. ![]()
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