GAME 1: LAKERS VS NUGGETS

SISIKAPIN ni LeBron James at ng Los Angeles Lakers na malusutan ang mabigat na hamon ni Nikola Jokic at ng Denver Nuggets sa pagsisimula ng Western Conference playoff finals ngayong Martes (Miyerkoles sa Manila).

Makaraang magkumahog sa buong regular season, ang Lakers ay apat na panalo ang layo sa pagbabalik sa NBA Finals makaraang sibakin ang defending champion Golden State Warriors noong Biyernes.

Ngayon ay magsasanib-puwersa sina James at Lakers defensive star Anthony Davis para pataubin ang top-seeded Nuggets sa Game 1 ng kanilang best-of-seven Western Conference finals series.

Ang showdown ay rematch ng Lakers-Nuggets 2020 playoff series sa NBA’s Covid-19 bubble sa Orlando, kung saan nanalo ang Lakers, 4-1, bago kinuha ang kanilang ika-16 na championship.

Gayunman, magmula noon ay malaki ang inihusay ng Denver, kung saan nagwagi si Jokic ng back-to-back NBA

MVP awards noong 2021 at 2022 bilang bahagi ng koponan na kinabibilangan din ng talentadong si Jamal Murray.

Sinabi ni James nitong Lunes na hindi maitatatwang ang 2023 version ng Nuggets ay mas mabigat na kalaban.

“They’re a better team,” wika ni James nang ipakumpara ang Denver sa koponan na tinalo sa Florida, tatlong taon na ang nakalilipas.

“Obviously, they’re more experienced. Every game, every postseason, every matchup allows you to continue to grow as a franchise, as a team, and they’ve done that.

“So, we come in with the utmost respect for this team that we’re challenged against and playing against, so look forward to the matchup.”

Na-split ng Denver at Lakers ang kanilang mga laro sa regular season sa 2-2, kung saan nagwagi ang Nuggets sa

kanilang pinakahuling paghaharap noong January 9.

Sasalang si Jokic sa series-opener na may average na triple-double na 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds at 10.3 assists sa series win kontra Phoenix.

Inilarawan ni Lakers coach Darvin Ham si Jokic bilang “that monster in the Rocky Mountains that’s waiting on us.”

“You’re talking about a two-time MVP, with a well-balanced squad, hungry, great synergy, great chemistry, great ability, athleticism, shooting, all of the above,” ani Ham.

“So, we’re going to have our work cut out for us, but they gotta guard us too, so we’re going to do our due diligence as we always do and be prepared for Game 1.”