Los Angeles (USA), May 16 (EFE).- LeBron James lamented this Tuesday the weak first part of the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell in the first game of the Western final against the Denver Nuggets (132-126, 1-0 in the series).
“It took us a part to get into the game and that was basically the game. We have to understand that we have to comply from the initial jump, ”he said at a press conference.
“They hit us in the mouth at the beginning (…). I know that a game is won in 48 minutes but they set the standards in 24 and in the next 24 we just tried to get to their level, ”he argued.
The Nuggets took the lead in the West final thanks to an extraordinary performance by Nikola Jokic, who dazzled with 34 points (an impressive 12 of 17 shooting), 21 rebounds (6 offensive) and 14 assists for his sixth triple-double in these playoffs. .
Denver went on to win by 21 points but suffered until the end as the Lakers, despite their defense not being tight until the fourth quarter, offered admirable resistance and LeBron had a three-pointer in the last minute to tie the score.
Anthony Davis, despite dealing with Jokic, shone with 40 points and 10 rebounds and LeBron James had 26 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists.
“We have to be better in all phases of the game,” LeBron said ahead of a second game that will also be played this Thursday in Denver.
The Los Angeles star said that his team has to play with “desperation” in the second game and stressed that above all they have to increase their performance in the fight for the rebound.
“We will improve in the second game, for sure,” he promised shortly before noting that Davis had a “phenomenal” performance in this first duel against Denver.
