The Los Angeles Lakers tipped off their regular season on Tuesday against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the same team that swept them out of the Western Conference finals.
It was ring night for the Nuggets, which gave the Lakers an opportunity to spoil their party. After a very early burst, the Lakers went cold about midway through the first quarter, and they were beat on the boards and in the paint as Denver opened up an 18-point lead. But they fought back with their transition game to come to within five just after halftime.
After Denver re-established a double-digit lead in the third quarter, L.A. scored 13 unanswered points to come to within three. However, the Nuggets were just too much, and they won, 119-107.
Ultimately, the Lakers fell short because they were simply outmuscled, which evoked memories of last season’s playoff sweep. Their 3-point shooting was sporadic, and although they committed only 11 turnovers, they often led to key baskets for the Nuggets.
Los Angeles also gave up 17 second-chance points and 52 points in the paint, although it had 58 points in the paint. Defensive rebounding, as well as transition defense and halfcourt offensive production, seem to be the team’s chief concerns.