Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Keys to beating the Denver Nuggets
By Ethan Temkin
2.) Get Jokic in foul trouble
Nikola Jokic is an essential part of the Nuggets offense, as his otherworldly passing abilities allow the Nuggets to do a variety of things offensively. Fortunately for the Lakers, for as good Jokic is on offense, his defensive abilities are severely lacking.
Jokic has a propensity to make ill-advised fouls when he finds himself beat, so the Lakers would be wise to get out and attack Jokic as much as possible. Not only in an effort to get him in foul trouble but also to wear him out and limit his effectiveness on the offensive end.
Even with Paul Millsap presumably taking the lion’s share of the Davis guarding duties, the Lakers would be wise to go after him as well, as Millsap is as important to the Denver defense as Jokic is to the Denver offense.
Regardless, Davis is a nightmare for any opposing big man, and the team has been keen on getting him involved early and often lately, which means it’s going to be a tough night for the Denver bigs.