Postgame takeaways from Lakers' heartbreaking loss

by Ben Cooper

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers suffered a heartbreaking loss in Game 2, as Jamal Murray hit a game-winning mid-range jumper over Anthony Davis to get Denver the 101-99 victory. 

The Purple and Gold controlled the game through the first three quarters before the Nuggets rallied back in the fourth.

This loss will sting for the LakeShow as they played great throughout. However, as it always happens, the Nuggets made the plays when it mattered most in the final minutes.

Anthony Davis was dominant with 32 points and 11 rebounds with two stocks. LeBron James also had a good game, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists. 

D’Angelo Russell played well with 23 points, shooting 7-11 from three. He hit six threes in the first half and was not as aggressive in the second half.

With those numbers in mind, let’s dive into postgame takeaways. 

Losing the rebound battle

The Lakers lost the rebound battle 45-38 and allowed Denver to collect nine offensive rebounds. 

Nikola Jokic had 20 rebounds, getting great position and battling down low. If LA wants to battle back in the series, they need to do a better job on the glass.

Finding an efficient offense down the stretch

A strength that the Nuggets have over the Lakers is their offense down the stretch. Denver goes to an action with Murray and Jokic, which is super tough to stop.

The Lakers need to find their own offense down the stretch, so they can match the Nuggets and come away with a victory in the clutch.

It’s been two tough losses for the Purple and Gold in this series. However, a series doesn’t truly start until the home team loses. If the Lakers can take care of business in LA and head back to Denver with a 2-2 series, they would still have a shot.

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