The Los Angeles Lakers gave the Nuggets a tough time in Game 1 of the first round. However, the men in purple and gold fell just short, as they lost 103-114. D’Angelo Russell had a rough shooting night in Game 1, which he reflected on following the loss. D-Lo is a great scoring asset, though there are nights where the shooting touch is just off the mark.
Russell took 20 field goals, making 6 of them. Not only that, but he also took nine three-point attempts, knocking down just one of them. According to Russell, he had some good looks, however; he was unable to connect the majority of them.
Great looks. I can't be mad. I don't recall the last time I got 20 shots. So for me to get 20 good looks, not 20 good, probably 5 or 6 of them were questionable but I know what I'm capable of so, honestly, I'm excited... I just feel like, you know, sometimes the ball just don't fall. I was locked in on all the details, the little things, just try to stay on the floor defensively, when you look up your shots aren't falling so... D’Angelo Russell in his postgame presser
One of the key points from D’Angelo Russell was his efforts in other aspects, knowing that he was having a bad shooting night. In the playoffs, D-Lo averages around 14 field goal attempts per game. During Game 1, Russell let it fly, taking six more than his average attempts. The Lakers have had a great season and have a chance to advance to the second round. Knowing the importance of this series, Russell will reflect on his bizarre shooting night.
D’Angelo Russell had a similar Game 1 performance last year
In last year’s Conference Finals against the Nuggets, D’Angelo Russell scored 8 points on 4-of-11 shooting in Game 1. After that game, Russell was seen working on his shooting in an empty arena. This year, as he faced another shooting slump, X users shared the same video from last year, claiming Russell was practicing his three-point shots.
Despite the video showing D’Angelo Russell in a purple and gold uniform, while the Lakers actually wore white jerseys in Game 1, his performance in that game will be something to watch as he gets ready for Game 2.
One positive aspect is Russell’s confidence despite his shots not falling. In the postseason last year against Denver, he attempted only 31 field goals across all four games.
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