Denver Nuggets up against it as Los Angeles Lakers visit Pepsi Centre for Game-3 on Friday
The Game 3 of this series sees the Denver Nuggets play hosts to the might Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at the Pepsi Center.
Denver will look to turn things around from here on as they face the intimidating task of coming back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the might Lakers. For the Broncos, it has not been the way they have played the
game, rather it has been the way they have started both games of the series. The Nuggets have failed to even lead once so far in the series and as Game 3 approaches, this Denver side will be looking to put an end to their poor start to the matches.
Emphasis has to be laid on a good start to matches as is sets a positive tone for the rest of the game and the Nuggets players are well aware of that fact.
"We definitely have to have a good start, especially at home and especially against them," – said, Danilo Gallinari.
The other significant factor in the Nuggets loss has been the dominance from the Lakers big men. Andrew Bynum has been extremely dominant in both games, posting up an historic triple-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds
and 10 blocked shots in the first one and recording 27 points with 9 boards in the second.
Even though Bynum has been the highlight of the two posts player, Pau Gasol has been responsible for making contributions in every department. Gasol posted up 13 points in the first game and recorded a 13-10
double-double in the second game.
Such has been the influence of the Spanish player that Nuggets coach, George Karl has labelled him the pivotal reason for both losses.
"The numbers say Bynum and Kobe are killing us. I might vote for saying, get Gasol off the court,", George Karl said, "His decisions and feel for the game are contagious."
Even though the big men for the Lakers deserve their due, there is still the offensive prowess of the ‘Black Mamba’ who has racked up 31 and 38 points in Game 1 and Game 2 respectively. Kobe Bryant seems to have
taken his game to another level in the post season as he has knocking down shot after shot even with the defence right up in his face.
With everything taken into consideration, Nuggets after receiving a drubbing in Game 1 did come back to test the Lakers nerve late in Game 2 and only fell short by 4 points in the end.
This Denver side which is known for their up tempo style of play are still a formidable force at home. They were able to close out the season with a 20-13 win loss record at home and will look to turn the series
on its head as the next two games are scheduled to take place at Denver. Ty Lawson`s ability to control the Nuggets offence will be key in the next 2 games.
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