I'm rooting for Denver, but this matchup will be a tough one. They've already fought off the league's best defensive big man in Rudy Gobert, but now they'll have to face one of the most well-rounded ones in Davis. Plus, for all the grit and determination Denver has shown so far, you have to wonder if (a) the Lakers can muster that kind of effort, and (b) if Denver gets worn out. Two straight 7-game series has to be damn exhausting.
On the subject of (a), I think the Lakers are a big mystery. Lebron has shown moments of absolute determination (e.g. 2016 finals), but he also has shown moments of complete resignation (e.g. 2018 finals). Playoff Rondo is apparently a thing, but none of the other Lakers players strike me as being especially clutch or choke-prone. I suppose we may find out.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Nuggets push hard and keep it close but run out of steam before the end of the series. The Lakers' playoff run so far hasn't been nearly as trying. On the other hand, Denver is a pretty young team while LA is one of the oldest, so maybe they've got more in the tank yet.
I know the Lakers are favored and rightly so, but I hope the Nuggets somehow find a way to win this series. I heard Athletic Alchemy's apologetic for why W fans should cheer for the Los Angeles, but that is NEVER going to happen. Go Denver!
Down early? Pfft that's just how the Nuggets play
I'm rooting for Denver, but this matchup will be a tough one. They've already fought off the league's best defensive big man in Rudy Gobert, but now they'll have to face one of the most well-rounded ones in Davis. Plus, for all the grit and determination Denver has shown so far, you have to wonder if (a) the Lakers can muster that kind of effort, and (b) if Denver gets worn out. Two straight 7-game series has to be damn exhausting.
On the subject of (a), I think the Lakers are a big mystery. Lebron has shown moments of absolute determination (e.g. 2016 finals), but he also has shown moments of complete resignation (e.g. 2018 finals). Playoff Rondo is apparently a thing, but none of the other Lakers players strike me as being especially clutch or choke-prone. I suppose we may find out.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Nuggets push hard and keep it close but run out of steam before the end of the series. The Lakers' playoff run so far hasn't been nearly as trying. On the other hand, Denver is a pretty young team while LA is one of the oldest, so maybe they've got more in the tank yet.
On a more Warriors-related topic, are we going to have any coverage of the "Dubble" mini-camp? https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/09/18/warriors-begin-minicamp-next-week-curry-and-green-unlikely-to-participate/
I know the Lakers are favored and rightly so, but I hope the Nuggets somehow find a way to win this series. I heard Athletic Alchemy's apologetic for why W fans should cheer for the Los Angeles, but that is NEVER going to happen. Go Denver!