Through four games, Denver’s first-round series is following the same script as last season.
Here are three keys for the Nuggets to finish off the Lakers in five games, just as they did to the Timberwolves a year ago:
Take back the glass
In the first three wins, Denver finished with seven or more rebounds than the Lakers. That flipped in Game 4, as Los Angeles grabbed 46 rebounds to Denver’s 40. The Nuggets’ nine offensive rebounds was actually one more than the Lakers’ total, but Los Angeles turned its into 14 second-chance points. Denver managed just five. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 23 rebounds, almost equaling Denver’s top two rebounders – Nikola Jokic (14) and Michael Porter Jr. (11) – on his own. If Denver can do a better job of limiting the Lakers to one shot per possession, they can save themselves a return trip to Los Angeles.
Bench bounces back
Role players typically play better at home, and that’s been the case through four games. The Nuggets had more bench points than the Lakers in Games 1 and 2. When the series shifted to Los Angeles, so did the bench production. After owning a 19-12 advantage in bench points Thursday, the Lakers had a 13-5 edge Saturday. Justin Holiday was Denver’s only reserve to hit a field goal in Game 4, while Peyton Watson capped the bench scoring with a couple of free throws. Lakers forward Taurean Prince has been the most productive bench player in the series, scoring six or more points in every game. No member of Denver’ second unit can say the same. A boost from Christian Braun, Watson, Reggie Jackson or Holiday would be more than welcome on Monday.
Reduce Russell or Reaves
The Nuggets have held either D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves under 15 points in each of the first three games of the series. Saturday, they both scored 21 points with relative efficiency. Davis and LeBron James have combined for 55 or more points in all of the first four games with each player scoring at least 25 in every game. As nice as it would be to slow them down, Denver would be better served making sure there’s not a third or fourth scorer to worry about. Davis and James are all-time talents, and they’re playing like it this series. Keeping either Russell or Reaves in check forces the Lakers’ stars to carry even more of a load.