It’s official: a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers is set. After a thrilling win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers once again found themselves playing a playoff series in the Mile High City. Following last year’s sweep of the Lakers by the Nuggets, both sides are eager to renew their rivalry.
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Photo Cred: Silver Screen and Roll
Denver Head Coach, Michael Malone, has been particularly vocal since Game 1 of last year’s Western Conference Finals, questioning the national narrative and the disproportionate media coverage favoring the Lakers. Malone, known for his colorful language, famously declared after Game 1, “You put that in your pipe, you smoke it, and you come back, and you know what? We’re gonna go up 2-0.” This quote even found its way onto a shirt worn during Malone’s championship parade. Additionally, a Nuggets reporter referred to Malone as “the Lakers daddy” during the parade festivities.
While the Nuggets may have earned the right to boast with their standing atop the NBA mountain, their shots directed at the Lakers may seem unjustified. The series ended in a decisive sweep, with little visible animosity on the court aside from a minor altercation between Bruce Brown and D’Angelo Russell. Although some of the comments were aimed more at the national media than the Lakers directly, tensions simmered, culminating in a brewing rivalry acknowledged by Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham during a summer podcast interview.
Superstar Anthony Davis also expressed anticipation for the rematch, highlighting the desire for revenge. The long-awaited rematch will unfold Saturday in Game 1, marking the third postseason meeting between the two teams in five years. The anticipation is palpable, fueled by the growing hostility between the franchises. In contrast, the Lakers have faced lineup changes but have still exhibited strength, winning 12 of their last 15 games, led by a resurgent LeBron James.
Photo Cred: CNN
Anticipated to be a series lasting more than four games, the Nuggets enter as favorites. However, as former MVP Nikola Jokic humbly stated, “There are no favorites. We are equal.” Indeed, the playoffs often bring surprises, as evidenced by last year’s unexpected run by the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals.
Both teams boast star-studded lineups, with the Nuggets maintaining the same starting five as last year’s postseason, a lineup that has demonstrated formidable chemistry. While the Lakers, led by LeBron James, pose a formidable challenge, the Nuggets are poised to advance to the second round with one of the league’s best starting fives. However, they must remain wary of the threat posed by a determined Lakers squad seeking redemption.
