The Denver Nuggets got the upper hand over the Los Angeles Lakers in their first round series on Saturday, beating their Western Conference foes 114-103. The Lakers started hot, taking an eight-point lead into the second quarter, but Denver was just too much over the full game.
LeBron James had his typical efficient game, but his 16 field goal attempts were low for a player of his caliber, especially when you consider he shot over 62% in the game.
LeBron James flexes his power vetoing Darvin Ham’s coaching decisions
Darvin Ham reacts to LeBron James only taking 6 shots in 2nd half
A reporter asked Lakers head coach Darvin Ham about James taking just six shots in the second half. Ham’s response was that he couldn’t answer without looking at the film.
Well, I’d have to go back and look at the tape and see why that was. Again, he’s a guy that tries to play the right way, and so other guys may have had opportunities, but once I go back and look at the film I’ll be able to give you a direct answer.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see James be more aggressive from start to finish in Game 2 on Monday. Ham will likely make it a point of emphasis after he watches the film.
While James took a bit of a backseat in the second half, Anthony Davis picked up the slack and finished with 32 points, tying a game-high with Nikola Jokic. The reigning NBA MVP and champion was as good as advertised and came out victorious.
