The Los Angeles Lakers and their fans are disappointed after the team lost Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets, 108-103, on Tuesday and fell behind 2-0 in the series.
Some may say self-inflicted wounds were a big reason for both losses, especially the Lakers’ Game 2 loss. There was a lack of energy and effort in the first half of Game 1 when they trailed by 18 at halftime and gave up 72 points, while bad decision-making on offense helped fuel the 15-1 Denver run that cost them Game 2.
They’re heading home for the next two games, which means they will receive a proverbial shot of painkillers from their home fans and a respite from the thin air of the Mile High City. But make no mistake: The Lakers are up against it and are a step away from being near elimination.
LeBron James said after Game 2 that he and his teammates cannot feel any comfort just because Game 3 and Game 4 will take place in Los Angeles (@ 2:37).
“It really doesn’t matter at this point who starts or who comes off the bench just about how we can get it done and win the game.” @KingJames expresses the importance of winning over everything. pic.twitter.com/o1J4wXK1Yh
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 19, 2023
“We’re still going to play with the same desperation as we did tonight when we came out with an L,” James said . “But it doesn’t give us any more comfort. You can’t go into any postseason game with comfort because you haven’t lost at home and you’re going back home. I think it’s even more you have to be on edge. You go home, you get in your own bed, you’re around your family, everybody is being cool and jolly and everything. Naw, you got to be even more on edge when you go home. So, we got to understand that going back being down 0-2. There’s no reason for us to get comfortable.”
This series could very well be tied at 2-2 at the end of Monday night, but the Lakers will have to remedy several issues.
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