Home Basketball The Lakers are trying to maintain their pace from start to finish, but they’re like “salt in the sea” against the strong onslaught from the Denver Nuggets

The Lakers are trying to maintain their pace from start to finish, but they’re like “salt in the sea” against the strong onslaught from the Denver Nuggets

Basketball — 04/26/2024

Coach Darvin Ham remarks that while it’s beneficial to have a lead, it’s crucial to maintain the strategies that led to securing the lead initially, noting the decline in pace of play during the second half of the first two games.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized the importance of maintaining pace throughout the entirety of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. He highlighted a recurring issue from Games 1 and 2 in Denver, where the pace of play dropped significantly in the second half, favoring the Nuggets.

Los Angeles Lakers struggling in NBA as losses mount, offense sputters

In Game 1, the pace slowed from 99 possessions per 48 minutes in the first half, with the Lakers leading 60-57 at halftime, to 89 in the second half. Similarly, in Game 2, the pace dipped from 98 in the first half, with the Lakers ahead 59-44, to 88 in the second half, during which the Lakers squandered a 20-point third-quarter lead before Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot at the buzzer.

Coach Ham emphasized the need to sustain the early momentum and pace established in the first half throughout the entire game. He stressed the importance of finishing strong at the rim and replicating the open looks generated earlier in the game.

The Lakers exhibited an offensive rating of 121.4 in the first halves of those games but experienced a significant drop to 92.2 in the second halves. Ham attributed this offensive decline to the team’s failure to maintain their speed and rhythm as the games progressed.

He emphasized the importance of playing in rhythm and not adopting a defensive mindset to protect the lead. Instead, he stressed the need to continue playing winning basketball by executing actions early in possessions and trusting the team’s speed and pace, whether in full-court or half-court situations.

In essence, Ham reiterated that while it’s advantageous to have a lead, it’s imperative to stick to the strategies that led to securing the lead initially. Pace remains the focal point for the Lakers, whether it’s in transition or in the half-court, as it contributes significantly to their overall success.