USA Today via Reuters
Sep 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots the ball around Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots the ball around Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to close out the series after taking a 3-1 lead vs the Nuggets. Heading into Game 4, they were completely outplayed by Denver in the previous game. But one change from head coach Frank Vogel turned the tides in LA’s favor.
It was the addition of veteran Dwight Howard to the starting lineup. Howard was getting into constant foul trouble in the first three games, but Game 4 was different. Dwight committed only 2 fouls in the entire game.
He also grabbed 11 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards! The team fed off his energy and defeated the Nuggets with a score of 114-108. Before Game 5 matchup, Howard shared his views on how the Lakers can finish off the Nuggets.
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“Go out there and dominate, from 1st quarter to 4th quarter. Don’t worry about the refs, don’t worry about missed shots, just go out there and do what we do best, play Laker basketball and get a good win.”
Dwight Howard on what the Lakers have to do to finish off the Nuggets: "Go out there and dominate, from 1st quarter to 4th quarter. Don't worry about the refs, don't worry about missed shots, just go out there and do what we do best, play Laker basketball and get a good win."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) September 25, 2020
Dwight also mentioned what it feels like to start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.
“Just try to go in and be a star in my role. Play great defense, get as many rebounds as I can, control the paint and make sure to take pressure off the rest of the guys by being active and communicating.”
* @DwightHoward on his mindset when he starts next to LeBron/AD: "Just try to go in and be a star in my role. Play great defense, get as many rebounds as I can, control the paint and make sure to take pressure off the rest of the guys by being active and communicating."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 25, 2020
It seems like Howard is finally fulfilling his role on the Lakers’ roster. Prior to the playoffs, Howard was giving quality minutes to the team and was a defensive beast. However, after the hiatus, Dwight struggled for a bit, but he has finally found his groove.
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What’s next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1), Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (9) celebrate after defeating the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Right now, the biggest task for the Lakers is to stop Denver in its tracks. The Nuggets have already proved a 3-1 deficit doesn’t mean anything to them as they have already overcame that problem twice in this postseason.
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In fact, in the Western Semis, they were down big on multiple occasions in elimination games. But Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic always carried them out of the slump. All things considered, the Lakers need to finish Denver off in Game 5 itself. Otherwise, this Nuggets team can gain momentum and cause problems for Lakers.
What do you think? Who will be victorious in Game 5 of the WCF? The Lakers or the Nuggets?
