Jokić NikolaGetty Images cites Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE. In the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals, Game 1, the Los Angeles Lakers had the league’s top defense. Los Angeles only gave up 106.5 points per 100 possessions against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. However, following Tuesday night’s 132-126 loss to the Denver Nuggets, it is evident that LeBron James and the rest of the team face an entirely new challenge—led by one of the all-time greats in offensive play. At least for the initial three quarters on Tuesday, Nikola Jokić displayed a ballistic performance. He shot 12 for 17 from the field, adding 21 boards, 14 assists, and 2 blocks to his 34 points. His deft touch from anywhere on the court, even beyond the arc of the three-point line, was on full show throughout the whole of the contest. Everything from fadeaways over Anthony Davis to threes and scoop shots were falling into place. Even when Jokić was unable to complete a play, he still managed to get 14 assists thanks to his excellent vision and knack for finding the perfect cutter or kickout option on nearly every possession.
“He just makes everybody on his team better,” Austin Reaves said after the game.
Darvin Ham added, “It’s not any one coverage that you’re going to be able to stay in against that kid. It has to be done by committee.”
For most of the game, the committee failed.
A defense that looked championship-level for most of the first two rounds of the postseason suddenly seems mortal.
Denver’s 132 points was enough to raise an offensive rating that already led the playoffs to 120.1 points per 100 possessions. But as Ham said postgame, “Thank God it’s a best of seven and not the NCAA Tournament.”
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Nothing is over with the Lakers. They actually made a change towards the end of Game 1 and it helped them win. Jokić was extremely dominant when he had AD in space. In the old-fashioned post-ups, Davis could relax, take Jokić’s backdowns, and then attack him from above. He missed his first try. Outside, Davis was caught off guard by Jokić’s jump shot, passing skills, and ball-handling prowess. He was devastating when he got the ball in the paint from beyond the arc or in the high post. Once L.A. pinned Rui Hachimura to him, that became far more subdued. Unbeknownst to most, the 6’8″ 230-pound forward is really large. When called upon, he can definitely play a larger role. However, he appeared more nimble when facing Jokić outside, as he effectively directed drives into Davis’ rim protection.
“Rui can make him go East-West a little more,” Ham said. “Have [Davis] as that big long arm, just ready to contest, over the top of Rui.”
It was effective. Jokić would get into the paint on multiple occasions, only to be met by Davis who was waiting for him. That resulted in forced passes that ended up in the hands of the Laker on more than one occasion. Jokić committed five turnovers, which was the most in the game. He had two turnovers and went cold from the field in the fourth quarter alone. Despite his reluctance to reveal any details, Ham did mention that there were “several other things that we didn’t unveil tonight” that may potentially slow down Denver’s two-time MVP.
Getty Images cites Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE. The obvious issue is that there is currently no proven formula that can stop Jokić. His previous regular season stats were 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists on a real shooting percentage of 70.1, which seemed unattainable. He has shot 55.9 percent from the field and averaged 31.0 points and 10.1 assists per game in the playoffs, despite facing extreme competition from the likes of Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ twin towers, and Jock Landale. Not only that, but he’s grabbing 13.5 boards and shooting 51.2% from deep. Jokić has to be made certain modifications. Still, it seems like he’s never without an argument. Assuming Los Angeles returns to that Hachimura game, it will definitely be shown, even though he didn’t reveal it on Tuesday.
Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
However, he may not be obstructed by the true key. It appears to be completely impossible. The Lakers must instead fulfill all other requirements. When it came to Tuesday, Los Angeles was short on effort.
“We had multiple bodies just standing around,” Ham said. “A couple times, the ball just dropped to the ground and someone from their team swooped in and grabbed it.”
In Game 1, Denver had 15 offensive rebounds to L.A.’s five.
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A little more uniformity in effort across the board should change the outcome of a few of those close games. Winning those two or three can make all the difference in a tight game, like Game 1. Maintaining offensive dominance is also crucial. This series has all the makings of a shootout, as we saw in the first round of the Western Conference Finals. At the danger of repeating myself, 132 points is quite a bit. But 126 is as well. Even though Jokić played well in Game 1, it appears that the Nuggets might not be able to answer LeBron’s questions. And Davis as well.
“AD was phenomenal,” James said postgame. “40 [points] and 10 [rebounds]. Changed shots at the rim. He’s been great all postseason. We have to do our job as well. Nothing surprises me about AD’s performance.”
In his own game, LeBron contributed 26 points, 12 boards, and 9 assists. He was a king whenever a lesser player turned his back on him. The first half ended with the Nuggets up 72–54, giving the impression that they may easily win the game. But going into Game 2, Los Angeles can still rely on a few things. Putting an end to Jokić for good? I doubt that’s one of them.