WCF: Lakers vs Nuggets 4-1 Lakers win series!

[snaquille oatmeal]

Ok hear me out, so last night’s game kept me wondering why the Lakers (especially Lebron) kept trying to run the 24 second clock down so early in the 4th quarter. Not trying to score and just heaving shots.

As we got closer to the end of the game, one thing became clear. A reason was that Lebron was saving energy to take on Murray one on one at the end. What wasn’t so clear but as I thought more about it
It started to make sense.

The Lakers were using psychological warfare on the Nuggets. The Nuggets are the comeback kids and when their backs are against the wall they summon their inner mojo and go on spectacular runs to get back in the game.

But by keeping them at an arms distance and make them think that they were in the cusp of taking over the game the Lakers neutralize their comeback mojo and made them play a conventional grinding out game.

What do you think? Do I have a leg to stand on?

[JVL]

Why does it feel like we lost this game?

Because everyone expects blowouts all the time. Objectively speaking, it wasn't the best showing. Close or not, still up 3-1. Sometimes it's going to be pretty, other times you gonna have to get it out the mud. Regardless, all that matters is the W.

I don't care if we have to grind it out with ugly performances and close games, but winning is all that matters, correct.

People always expect the Lakers to beat their opponents by 20 points and wow their fans with dazzling performances.

[Hoopz Afrik]

Why does it feel like we lost this game?

Because everyone expects blowouts all the time. Objectively speaking, it wasn't the best showing. Close or not, still up 3-1. Sometimes it's going to be pretty, other times you gonna have to get it out the mud. Regardless, all that matters is the W.

I don't care if we have to grind it out with ugly performances and close games, but winning is all that matters, correct.

People always expect the Lakers to beat their opponents by 20 points and wow their fans with dazzling performances.

Agreed. It's weird because people are more worried about the Lakers after a win than they are about other teams after they lose. A very interesting/telling dynamic.

[EArl]

Ok hear me out, so last night’s game kept me wondering why the Lakers (especially Lebron) kept trying to run the 24 second clock down so early in the 4th quarter. Not trying to score and just heaving shots.

As we got closer to the end of the game, one thing became clear. A reason was that Lebron was saving energy to take on Murray one on one at the end. What wasn’t so clear but as I thought more about it
It started to make sense.

The Lakers were using psychological warfare on the Nuggets. The Nuggets are the comeback kids and when their backs are against the wall they summon their inner mojo and go on spectacular runs to get back in the game.

But by keeping them at an arms distance and make them think that they were in the cusp of taking over the game the Lakers neutralize their comeback mojo and made them play a conventional grinding out game.

What do you think? Do I have a leg to stand on?

Adding to that I think Lebron is also saving it for the Finals.

[LAKESHOW]

Comparison of Denver v Miami is an interesting debate some have brought up. But I believe Joker would absolutely destroy Bam, oleynik, or whoever they throw at him.

[tamaraw08]

Ok hear me out, so last night’s game kept me wondering why the Lakers (especially Lebron) kept trying to run the 24 second clock down so early in the 4th quarter. Not trying to score and just heaving shots.

As we got closer to the end of the game, one thing became clear. A reason was that Lebron was saving energy to take on Murray one on one at the end. What wasn’t so clear but as I thought more about it
It started to make sense.

The Lakers were using psychological warfare on the Nuggets. The Nuggets are the comeback kids and when their backs are against the wall they summon their inner mojo and go on spectacular runs to get back in the game.

But by keeping them at an arms distance and make them think that they were in the cusp of taking over the game the Lakers neutralize their comeback mojo and made them play a conventional grinding out game.

What do you think? Do I have a leg to stand on?

Adding to that I think Lebron is also saving it for the Finals.

Interesting theory, I hope it's the case of Lebron saving his energy bec I also felt like there's something wrong about his explosiveness or lack there off. Running the clock down and just HEAVING shots is not an efficient way to score buckets. I also hope it's not the case of him over-thinking/analyzing the defense just like what happened vs Houston in game 1.
So he saves his energy to guard Murray, but what about Jokic who took over game 2 and nearly won the game if not for Davis' 26 footer? Murray played 45 minutes last night, I know he's young but some point, he might also wear down. I think it was Stan who suggested full court pressing this guy with 4 fresh bodies of KCP, Caruso, Green and Rondo.

[slifersd]

Miami is a tough and legit team for sure, but we don't fear them. For all their toughness and defensive prowess, they are not a great team on offense. They don't have the explosive scorer in their backcourt like every team we have played so far. I also think the AD vs Crawder match up is going to kill them. They don't have anybody on that team who can match up against AD other than Bam. If Bam is in foul trouble, their interior is basically open for business. I also have a hard time envisioning them scoring in bunches against our defense considering how good we are defensively.

[snaquille oatmeal]

Ok hear me out, so last night’s game kept me wondering why the Lakers (especially Lebron) kept trying to run the 24 second clock down so early in the 4th quarter. Not trying to score and just heaving shots.

As we got closer to the end of the game, one thing became clear. A reason was that Lebron was saving energy to take on Murray one on one at the end. What wasn’t so clear but as I thought more about it
It started to make sense.

The Lakers were using psychological warfare on the Nuggets. The Nuggets are the comeback kids and when their backs are against the wall they summon their inner mojo and go on spectacular runs to get back in the game.

But by keeping them at an arms distance and make them think that they were in the cusp of taking over the game the Lakers neutralize their comeback mojo and made them play a conventional grinding out game.

What do you think? Do I have a leg to stand on?

Adding to that I think Lebron is also saving it for the Finals.

Interesting theory, I hope it's the case of Lebron saving his energy bec I also felt like there's something wrong about his explosiveness or lack there off. Running the clock down and just HEAVING shots is not an efficient way to score buckets. I also hope it's not the case of him over-thinking/analyzing the defense just like what happened vs Houston in game 1.
So he saves his energy to guard Murray, but what about Jokic who took over game 2 and nearly won the game if not for Davis' 26 footer? Murray played 45 minutes last night, I know he's young but some point, he might also wear down. I think it was Stan who suggested full court pressing this guy with 4 fresh bodies of KCP, Caruso, Green and Rondo.

I think Dwight wore out Jogic in the first half then got in foul trouble

[Hans1984]

Glad they managed to get the win but the team looked kinda flat. Great game by Howard.

[LAKESHOW]

Howard's rotation minutes are weird some times. Cause coach just yanks him and doesn't place him back in. Dwight however, must have the most moving screen fouls I've ever seen from a human being. So maybe that's it.

[BEazy]

So Malone is going to go through "proper channels" to complain about freethrow difference. Not a damn word from the haters or Nugget fans. SMH....

[EArl]

Read on Twitter

[infinite11285]

Ok hear me out, so last night’s game kept me wondering why the Lakers (especially Lebron) kept trying to run the 24 second clock down so early in the 4th quarter. Not trying to score and just heaving shots.

As we got closer to the end of the game, one thing became clear. A reason was that Lebron was saving energy to take on Murray one on one at the end. What wasn’t so clear but as I thought more about it
It started to make sense.

The Lakers were using psychological warfare on the Nuggets. The Nuggets are the comeback kids and when their backs are against the wall they summon their inner mojo and go on spectacular runs to get back in the game.

But by keeping them at an arms distance and make them think that they were in the cusp of taking over the game the Lakers neutralize their comeback mojo and made them play a conventional grinding out game.

What do you think? Do I have a leg to stand on?

You're halfway right.

When games are close late and his team is up, he favors milking out possessions. It puts extreme pressure on opposing offenses to score quick and early in the shot clock. 99% of NBA offensives aren't designed to score in 8 seconds or less. That pressure to score increases the chances of a turnover/mistake. It's kind of his schtick.

He typically does it from the 5-minute mark on down.

[snaquille oatmeal]

Howard's rotation minutes are weird some times. Cause coach just yanks him and doesn't place him back in. Dwight however, must have the most moving screen fouls I've ever seen from a human being. So maybe that's it.

Sorry you missed out on KG

[Jedi32]

The crying in the GB brings me a lot of joy for some reason lol.

Most of them are just jealous sheep following the trend.

[BEazy]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-didnt-file-any-complaint-about-officiating-lebron-james-prior-to-game-4-vs-denver-frank-vogel-says/

"It's very simple. We didn't file any complaint or anything like that," Vogel said. "There's a thing called the officiating portal that you're allowed to submit calls that you think were wrong calls from the game before. We do that every game all year long, as does every team, and this series has been no different. I think it's a false narrative in terms of what you're referring to with all the talk about the fouls."

GB going to say Vogel is lying. lol

[LAKESHOW]

I've been saying this we were sending regular submissions when Shaq was getting Axed every game. This is a known and regular procedure. To use a regular procedure done and accessed by all teams, as a conspiracy. Just par for the course round here and media outlets

[Beethoven]

You're halfway right.

When games are close late and his team is up, he favors milking out possessions. It puts extreme pressure on opposing offenses to score quick and early in the shot clock. 99% of NBA offensives aren't designed to score in 8 seconds or less. That pressure to score increases the chances of a turnover/mistake. It's kind of his schtick.

He typically does it when from the 5-minute mark on down.

But dont most teams sort of do this?

[Crooked-I]

It's looking like the Boston Miami series is going to game 6. It would be nice to close this series out tomorrow to get Lebron and AD some rest.

[Beethoven]

You know what Denver is going to do at 3-1