Nuggets know they need better effort, awareness in Game 2

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a basket against Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 18, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a basket against Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 18, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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With better transition defense in Game 2, the Denver Nuggets will stand a much better chance of defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Denver Nuggets didn’t play up to their standards at all in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, with their effort oddly reminiscent of their play in Game 2 of their series against the Utah Jazz. Fortunately, the team is aware of their mistakes, and have made it a point to improve their effort in getting back on defense in Game 2.

The Lakers outscored the Nuggets 16-10 in fastbreak points in Game 1 and, along with the disparities in steals (10-3), blocks (6-2) and free-throw attempts (37-28), these were the largest disparities between the two teams that were in LA’s favor. James Herbert of CBS Sports put together a terrific breakdown of the instances in which Denver failed to get back on defense, matchup properly in transition or recognize Lakers players leaking out for outlet passes.

It’s such an easy adjustment for the Nuggets to make, Herbert is right in saying that their troubles were self-inflicted. There are other adjustments that Denver must make, like making sure they don’t give up so many open 3-point attempts and making sure to use their personnel better on the offensive end, but there’s no reason that they can’t make this a great series against LA.

As Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said, per the Associated Press, Denver has “just got to be better. We’ve just got to be on point. We’ve got to talk more, talk earlier, point, whatever we’ve got to do.”

Los Angeles isn’t going to let up, having watched the Nuggets complete back-to-back comebacks against strong teams. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is also considering starting Dwight Howard at center in Game 2, who was more impactful than starter JaVale McGee. Howard scored 13 points in 16 minutes in Game 1, shooting 4-5 from the floor and going to the free-throw line 8 times.

If Howard should start, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic should fare well, as he was 3-4 from the field when Howard was his primary defender. He was 2-5 from the field when matched up with McGee.

However, Denver will need to have better defensive awareness when Howard is on the floor, not letting him get behind their backline of defense for easy lob attempts like he did in Game 1.

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Game 2 could be considered a must-win for the Nuggets because of the talent that LA has but whether or not it is, Denver needs to play with the same focus and passion that they would if it was Game 7.