09-20-2020, 05:45 PM
Watching the LA / Denver series here in terms the Size and Center battle. I expected Jokic and let's not forget Paul Millsap to have a very different challenge against this LA vs the previous LA and he did.
The Lakers have a more stout rotation of big men. They roll out former Mav McGee and Howard on top of Anthony Davis, Markieff Morris and company.
It will be interesting to see how Denver adjusts after being totally controlled in game 1.
In a pure one on one matchup Jokic still has some size/bully ball advantage even against the Lakers but not nearly what he had against the Clippers.
https://uproxx.com/dimemag/los-angeles-l...deo-stats/
It may fall more to Denver to win other matchups on the floor now which includes now looking and hoping for the return of Will Barton.
The Lakers have a more stout rotation of big men. They roll out former Mav McGee and Howard on top of Anthony Davis, Markieff Morris and company.
It will be interesting to see how Denver adjusts after being totally controlled in game 1.
In a pure one on one matchup Jokic still has some size/bully ball advantage even against the Lakers but not nearly what he had against the Clippers.
https://uproxx.com/dimemag/los-angeles-l...deo-stats/
Quote:Inevitably, Jokic is going to figure out a way to get into isolation situations against his defender. More often than not, he’ll find a way to beat them.
The Lakers can’t just let that happen and watch McGee and Howard get cooked. Though the Lakers’ identity all year stemmed from elite size and rim protection,
It may fall more to Denver to win other matchups on the floor now which includes now looking and hoping for the return of Will Barton.
Quote:More impressively, they've put themselves among the final four teams while juggling a handful of injuries, including missing starting guard Will Barton, who is yet to suit up in Orlando.
Barton has been sidelined for a month after leaving the bubble to continue rehab on his injured right knee and while there is 'no timetable' for his return as yet, according to Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, the team appreciates just how much they've missed him in their playoff run."We’re not here without Will,” Connelly said, per The Denver Post.“He’s such a huge part of our team. He’s working his tail off to try to get right. We thought the resources that were available outside the bubble would be better suited to get him there. There’s no timetable, but even though he’s not here physically, he’s certainly here in spirit.”