It's one thing to be confident as a team in your abilities, but if Sunday night showed the Denver Nuggets anything, it's that confidence needs to result in baskets, not empty smiles or gestures.
Denver failed to make it three in a row over the Los Angeles Lakers in a physical, hard fought contest the Lakers won due to their dedicated effort on the defensive end, especially in the fourth quarter.
The first two meetings between the teams were defined by the Lakers' inability to slow the Nuggets down, but this game resembled more of what could be expected should the teams meet in the postseason.
In the playoffs, possessions become critical so the game slows down. So in order for each team to maximize possessions, a premium is placed on quality defense and strong post play.
Los Angeles was dominant in both categories when the game mattered the most as Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom combined for 35 points and 26 rebounds in a game where they controlled the paint.
Ron Artest forced Carmelo Anthony into a bad shooting night, and his tight defense caused Anthony to foul out late in the game when the outcome was yet to be determined.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Hadarii Jones
Denver Nuggets’ Confidence Is Usurped By The LA Lakers’ Defense
March 1st, 2010 by Hadarii Jones Leave a reply »
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