The Western Conference Finals
:
2008-2009 NBA Playoffs
Game 2 of the Denver-LA series is on its way. LA taking game 1, it's up to Denver to make the adjustments.
Here are some points I believe these teams have to emphasize.
For the Nuggets:
1. Outmuscle LA's Big Guys
We saw Kenyon and Nene outmuscleing Pau and Andrew in Game 1. They have to continue pounding the ball inside, get those rebounds, and make the inside shots.
2. Trust Melo in end-game situations
Carmelo has to have the ball more in the fourth quarter. In Game 1 Melo was red hot in the first three quarters. But he doesn't get to touch the ball often in the fourth. And they have to maximize this situation all-the-more in the last quarter.
3. Hit those free throws.
In game 1, Denver only hit 66% of their free-throws as compared to LA hitting 83%. Imagine if they made those missed shots, the results could have been different.
For the Lakers:
1. Ariza stepping up
Trevor Ariza made the biggest play in game 1, stealing the ball in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. He has to exert more effort not only in defense, but also in offense. I know this guy is capable of reaching the all-star status. And this is the opportunity to prove himself.
2. Transition defense
LA's big men are very slow to go down the court for fast break defense. Gasol and Bynum have to sprint back at D, or else...
3. Hit those outside shots
I am still waiting for Fisher, Vujacic, and Farmar to heat up from the outside. Kobe needs help in hitting those 3's and those long 2's. This will open up La's inside offense.
Here are some points I believe these teams have to emphasize.
For the Nuggets:
1. Outmuscle LA's Big Guys
We saw Kenyon and Nene outmuscleing Pau and Andrew in Game 1. They have to continue pounding the ball inside, get those rebounds, and make the inside shots.
2. Trust Melo in end-game situations
Carmelo has to have the ball more in the fourth quarter. In Game 1 Melo was red hot in the first three quarters. But he doesn't get to touch the ball often in the fourth. And they have to maximize this situation all-the-more in the last quarter.
3. Hit those free throws.
In game 1, Denver only hit 66% of their free-throws as compared to LA hitting 83%. Imagine if they made those missed shots, the results could have been different.
For the Lakers:
1. Ariza stepping up
Trevor Ariza made the biggest play in game 1, stealing the ball in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. He has to exert more effort not only in defense, but also in offense. I know this guy is capable of reaching the all-star status. And this is the opportunity to prove himself.
2. Transition defense
LA's big men are very slow to go down the court for fast break defense. Gasol and Bynum have to sprint back at D, or else...
3. Hit those outside shots
I am still waiting for Fisher, Vujacic, and Farmar to heat up from the outside. Kobe needs help in hitting those 3's and those long 2's. This will open up La's inside offense.
