What Went Wrong for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 against Denver Nuggets?

The Los Angeles Lakers got a timely wake-up call last night. After being 2-0 up in the Western Conference Finals, they took Game 3 lightly and were served a loss by the Nuggets.

Right from the start, the Nuggets looked like they wanted it more than the Lakers. At one point, they were leading by 20 points. They were led by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic who were unguardable. Murray not only showered 28 points but also showed off his playmaking skills with 12 assists. Jokic had an all-round game, putting up 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Nuggets role players also played a vital role in the win. Jerami Grant had 26 points while Monte Morris had 14 points, and the Lakers bench had no answer to them. This will be a big boost to the Nuggets, who now have all the momentum to clinch the next game.

Lack of fight from the Lakers

The Lakers didn’t show enough fight last night. They were comfortable with their 2-0 lead and weren’t really mentally strong for the game, and that was their biggest downfall.

On the court, their bigs showed no energy. Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and JaVale McGee combined for a mere four rebounds all game. That is the same number of rebounds that Danny Green had just by himself. It was an unacceptable performance from them, and they will have to respond with an improved display in the next game.

The Lakers were almost out-rebounded by 20. They had a total of 25 rebounds whereas the Nuggets had 44. This came as a shock since the Lakers’ ability on the glass has been amazing, unlike the Nuggets, who are on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The Lakers have been a good defending team too, but last night they were very relaxed on that front. They kept leaking buckets, which is what held them back from making a comeback. In the fourth quarter, they pushed offensively and had a few crucial stops. But the Nuggets wouldn’t let go of their lead, and the Lakers succumbed to the pressure.

LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Rajon Rondo were the only players who showed heart and tried their best to get the win., but there’s not a lot only three players can do.

The worst part about the next game for the Lakers is that if they lose, they tie the series, but even if they win, they go up 3-1. And when a team goes 3-1 up against the Nuggets, a comeback seems inevitable.

It will continue to be a mental battle from now on, and the Lakers need to be prepared.