By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Denver Nuggets are down 3-1 for the third time in the NBA bubble set up in Orlando. The Los Angeles Lakers pushed them to the ropes Thursday piling up 25 second-chance points. The issue was noted by Nikola Jokic and head coach Michael Malone immediately after Game 4.
“We agreed that the rebounding was the problem,” pointed out the Joker, “We gave them too many second chances.”
The Lakers never lost the lead after the beginning of the first quarter. They did not create much distance but held on. Those second chances were key.
“We did a poor job in that area tonight,” said Malone, “They were more physical and more aggressive. That is one of the main reasons that we lost.”
Free throws were also discussed post-game. The winning side shot 35, the Nuggets 23.
“I think I will have to go through the proper channels like they did to see if we can figure out if we can’t get some more free throws,” mentioned Malone, “We will watch the film and reach out to the NBA and make our points noted.”
Frustrated from the loss, Jamal Murray claimed that some fouls against him were overlooked. He was aggressive down the stretch but did not get the calls he believed he earned. “I did get fouled in a few plays,” he explained.
Game 5, the seventh must-win contest of the current postseason, is scheduled to take place Saturday.
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