The Lakers' second-half tweaks scared Nuggets in a G1 loss

In the First Game of the Series, the Lakers' Adjustments in the Second Half Gave the Nuggets a Scare

Image Source: Lakers/Twitter

After the Lakers lost Game 1 to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James closed his eyes, craned his head back, and let out an exasperated sigh.

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The Lakers were behind by as many as 21 points, had 17 fewer rebounds than Denver, and let Denver score 72 points by halftime.

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James missed a 3-point shot from the top of the key with 45.2 seconds left in the fourth that would have tied the game.

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Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to the West's top seed with 34 points, 21 rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks.

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L.A. pursued Murray when James launched pick-and-rolls, and the 20-year veteran scored 15 of his 26 points and had 6 of his 9 assists after halftime.

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For the first time in the playoffs, the Lakers are behind in a series. However, several of the team's leaders are confident about where their team is.

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The question is who of L.A.'s starting backcourt from Game 1, 6-1 Dennis Schroder or 6-4 D'Angelo Russell, should come off the bench.

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Russell, who shot 4-for-11 and played only nine minutes in the second half after a -23 first half, would naturally be considered.

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Schroder has already shown that he can do well as a substitute because he didn't start until Game 6 against Golden State.

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The seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers get to experience what it's like to be an underdog for the very first time in these playoffs.

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