Kyle Kuzma hit perhaps the biggest shot of his NBA career last night, making a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Lakers the 124-121 win over the Denver Nuggets.
The third-year power forward was able to hit the shot despite Bol Bol, who is 7-foot-2, recovering nicely to get a hand up to try and contest Kuzma's shot. When asked about Bol's defense, Kuzma gave an answer that demonstrated his growing confidence as a player.
"I think Jesus could be in front of me and I'd probably still shoot," Kuzma said. "I mean, it doesn't really matter to me. I got an open look. It's a play we kind of ran in practice a few times prior to the restart, and Coach had faith in me and called my number and it paid off."
Started the game. Ended the game. #KuzControl for the win. pic.twitter.com/hxkvt2oWYE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 11, 2020
Kuzma has played some of the best basketball in the bubble, averaging 16 points per game while making 44.4% of his three-pointers. If Kuzma is able to play at this level once the playoffs begin, it will be a huge boost for the Lakers, who have struggled to find a clear third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers locked up the no. 1 seed in the Western Conference after just a couple of games in the bubble but have still been trying to regain their rhythm as a team after a four-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Despite some poor play in Orlando, the Lakers remain one of the favorites to represent the West in the Finals.
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