Disappointing Outcome: Nuggets Fall to Lakers
In Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference first round, the Denver Nuggets suffered a 108-119 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers, ending their 11-game winning streak and failing to sweep the Lakers out of the playoffs. Nuggets’ star center Nikola Jokic, also known as “The Joker,” admitted that the team’s performance today was not up to par, resulting in their inability to secure the victory.
Jokic’s Triple-Double Effort: Despite Loss
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists in today’s game, marking his 18th career triple-double in the playoffs and the second in this series. However, his impressive performance was not enough to lead the Nuggets to victory. Speaking at the post-game press conference, Jokic, a horse racing enthusiast, stated, “We obviously want to have a better start, but I learned from horse racing that it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.”
Acknowledging Room for Improvement: Jokic’s Reflection
Jokic acknowledged the team’s subpar performance, saying, “We didn’t play well today, so we just need to be better. Of course, we want to get a lead and control the game, but obviously that didn’t happen for us tonight.”
Contributions Beyond Jokic: Mixed Results
Apart from Jokic’s stellar performance, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamal Murray struggled with his three-point shooting, going 0-for-4 but still managing to score 22 points. Aaron Gordon added 7 points to the scoreboard. However, Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone emphasized that offense was not the issue for the team tonight.
Critical Defensive Lapses: Malone’s Concerns
Michael Malone expressed frustration with the team’s defensive performance, particularly in the paint, as the Lakers scored 72 points inside. “The interior defense was a joke tonight,” Malone criticized. He highlighted the need for urgency and effort, emphasizing the importance of defending the paint effectively.
Lakers’ Offensive Prowess: Impact on Nuggets
Reflecting on the Lakers’ offensive strategy, Jokic commented, “They kept pushing the pace and finding easy baskets in transition, breaking down our interior defense, while we couldn’t buy a bucket. They struggled at times too, but it felt like they still had an impact on our defense. They’re a great team.” (Lvbet)