D’Angelo Russell expressed optimism for Game 2 after the Nuggets caused him problems in Saturday’s first game.
One of the Lakers’ primary priorities ahead of their second consecutive postseason matchup was D’Angelo Russell. Due to his significance and excellent play this season, many eyes were focused on D’Lo after he was benched in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals due to his terrible play the previous season.
In fact, Russell got off to a fast start, making three of his first four attempts. For comparison, in Game 3 and 4 combined last season, D’Lo only managed 3-12 shots.
Russell, however, missed just three of his next sixteen attempts following his explosive start on Saturday, going 1-9 overall from the 3-point line. Even though his 13 points were more than his average from the postseason series against Denver the previous year, the Lakers lacked the kind of performance they needed to win on Saturday and advance in this series.
Fantastic appearance. Russell remarked, “I mean, I can’t be mad.” “I can’t remember when I last received twenty, so it wasn’t twenty good looks for me—probably five or six of them were dubious. I am aware of my abilities. To be honest, I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled about it.
“It seems like the ball just doesn’t fall sometimes. I was focused on the minute details and trying to stay on the floor in a defensive manner, among other things. You look up, and your shot isn’t going down. No affection was lost. That one cannot cause you any grief. Watch out for the next one.
