Review of Locked On Nuggets - Game 2 Analysis

Game 2 Analysis

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“Compared to the Boston and Miami podcasts I heard, Adam and Matt are way more focused on actual basketball analysis, despite their white hot hate for the Lakers and disrespect for Anthony Davis’ incredible defensive efforts for the last four months. These games have been played at such a high level of intensity, so unlike the Charmin Celtics. And as good as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are, whoever comes out of the West will probably win the title. Denver, to their credit, has hit all the big shots at critical times. Those buzzer beaters by Jokic, Murray and MPJ that saved Game 1 were all contested. Murray’s shots in Game 2 were as good as anything Curry did this year. As soon as that game ended I tweeted about “The Murray Game.” All basketball fans should remember it that way. Without his unconscious 4th quarter shooting, the series is tied 1-1 and you guys would be soiling yourselves. Bruce Brown deserves a special shout out. I expected all the starters to do what they have done. I knew there was going to be a game where Jokic dominated and another where Murray exploded. But Brown’s play was the real X-factor so far. His play in transition, on defense, and 3-point shooting spread the floor and stretched the Lakers’ defense to the breaking point. He expanded the lead in Game 1 and sparked the comeback in Game 2. In the 28 minutes when he is on the floor with Jokic, Gordon and two of the other three starters, those three lineups have a net rating of +28.6, +42.1, and +52.4. He’s the perfect player to come in against the Lakers guards. Coach Malone and the team benefitted from KCP’s and MPJ’s early foul trouble in Game 2 by playing Brown 14 more minutes, but I don’t think he will alter his normal rotations moving forward. A hopeful sign for the Lakers is that Denver’s starting lineup has played 38 minutes and achieved a -3.1 net rating. During the regular season, that lineup had a +13.1 net rating. That’s the difference between playing like a bottom 5 team this year or the KD Warriors. My guess is that has something to do with the Lakers’ defense, regardless of whether you want to admit it or not. The other source of hope is the non-DLo minutes. All of the lineups except one had positive net ratings. The LeBron, AD, Reaves, Hachimura and Schroder group has a net rating of +44.1 in 15 minutes. Of course, these are all small sample sizes. We will learn more in Game 3. Either the Nuggets will be too good, or salty Mike will be the one forced to make adjustments. The last point is that you should watch game film of LeBron before he hurt his foot. He looks like a completely different player in these playoffs, lacking explosion and lift. This would be a very different series if the Lakers had that guy. So be grateful your team has had great health for most of the year. PS: Matt, with therapy, you will get over 2020 and finally admit the Lakers dominated Denver and won a title because they were the best team the entire season. It’s not healthy to be obsessed with small market self-loathing, NBA conspiracy theories and that massive three-free throw advantage the Lakers enjoyed in their five-game series with Denver. Maybe if Denver finally wins a title, you can put the past behind you and lead a healthier life.”

BruinWriter78 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/20/23

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Favorite Nuggets Podcast

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“As a big basketball fan in general, and die hard Nuggets fan this is the one podcast I make sure I listen to whenever there is a new one”

shortstuff4 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/14/17

Very insightful

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“Great in-depth analysis of nuggets and broader nba”

Sengers23 via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 10/30/17

Love this podcast!