Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone thinks the key to their ongoing control over the Los Angeles Lakers depends on their defense in transition and near the basket.
In other words, they want to slow down LeBron James.
The Lakers are ranked second in points in the paint, with an average of 55.6 points, and are the third-best fastbreaking team in the NBA this season, scoring 17.0 per game.
“That’s where this series will be decided,” Malone told reporters after the Nuggets’ practice on April 18. “Can they slow down the Lakers and prevent them from scoring near the basket?
The Lakers excel at fast breaks because they don’t just run after turnovers or missed shots. They run throughout the game, especially LeBron James who, on average, scores more than five fast break points per game, but against the Nuggets, that number goes up to six and a half. It’s best not to help the Lakers with their fast breaks.”
The 39-year-old James scores
fast break points per game, which is the second best in the league after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 5.5. James is also ranked 10th in points scored in the paint, with an average of 13.6 per game. 5.1 The Nuggets Coach is Impressed by LeBron James’ Longevity
Stopping or even slowing down James is not an easy task.
“But with LeBron, he’s an excellent passer,” Malone explained. “He’s like a one-man fast break [team]. He’s a powerful force, so the defense needs to be ready, but no single player in the league can defend him. There needs to be a group of defenders around him. The defense needs to focus on him and be prepared for him to pass the ball to an open teammate. It requires a lot of effort from the defense.”
Malone is amazed at how, despite being one of the oldest players in the league, James remains one of the best.
“In his 21st year, he is still improving,” Malone said. “He achieved his highest three-point shooting percentage this year. It’s truly remarkable when you look at his current performance as a fan of the game, not just considering his past achievements. I hope he gets worn out. I hope he gets tired, but I have not seen any signs of LeBron James slowing down, so it will be a great challenge for our team.”
James’ improved 3-point shooting, with a career-high of 41%, has made him a more well-rounded player as he continues to achieve almost a triple-double with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in his 21st NBA season.
All Attention on Anthony Davis
After
Nikola Jokic Anthony Davis dominated
during the Nuggets’ Western Conference Finals sweep, everyone will be watching the Lakers' big man.
Can he at least neutralize Jokic? Jokic (16.8) and Davis (15.7) are ranked third and fourth in terms of scoring in the paint this season. But what makes Jokic more dangerous than Davis is his passing skills.
Jokic averages 9.0 assists per game, just one below what’s needed for a triple-double season while also scoring 26.4 points and grabbing 12.4 rebounds.
Although Davis falls short compared to Jokic, he is a better defender near the basket, and his playmaking ability has greatly improved. The Lakers' All-Star big man is achieving a career-high 3.5 assists alongside 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Discover the plan for the Denver Nuggets to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers and the role of LeBron James in it.
