LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost 112-105 in Game 3 to the Denver Nuggets, putting them at a significant disadvantage in the series, trailing 3-0.
James, with his extensive playoff history, shared insights into the psychological demands of postseason basketball. “Anxiety and pressure are part of the game during the playoffs,” he explained, after Denver advanced to a 3-0 lead in the series.
Flanked by teammate Anthony Davis, James lauded their joint performance under pressure, where they collectively scored 59 points. James himself contributed 26 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, while Davis led the team with 33 points and 15 rebounds.
However, the duo’s efforts contrasted sharply with the rest of the Lakers team, which struggled against a strong Denver squad. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each scored over 20 points, supporting standout performances by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
When questioned about the Lakers’ execution, James chose not to speculate on his teammates’ mental states. “You’d have to ask the individuals,” he said, acknowledging his inability to read minds.
The series has highlighted a challenging streak for the Lakers, who have now lost 11 consecutive games to the Nuggets. Despite a strong start in Game 3 with an early 8-0 lead, the Lakers could not maintain their momentum, particularly suffering in the third quarter where Denver outscored them significantly.
Austin Reaves, who scored 22 points, pointed out the team’s struggle in the third quarter as particularly detrimental. Despite the looming threat of elimination, the Lakers remain hopeful, with Davis emphasizing the need for improved rebounding and scoring.
James remains optimistic, focusing on taking the playoffs one game at a time. “As long as you still have life, you always have belief,” he stated, rallying his team to push for a turnaround in Game 4.
As the Lakers prepare for their next encounter, they face not just a formidable opponent in the Nuggets but also the immense pressure of playoff basketball, where every game is a battle for survival.
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