The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire straits. Just days after losing Game 2 to the Denver Nuggets, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham publicly dismissed Anthony Davis‘ postgame remarks.
Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Dismisses Anthony Davis’ Criticism
Darvin Ham says he took Anthony Davis’ “we have stretches when we don’t know what we’re doing” comment as frustration and will agree to disagree with AD.
(via @michaelcorvo_) pic.twitter.com/iSkRdXXfrD
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 24, 2024
Lakers Clash of Words Following Loss to Nuggets
A visibly upset Davis brought up the Lakers disarray in the second half, before moving on to Game 3.
“We have stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor, and those are the ones that cost us. We’ve got two days to get it right and come ready to win Game 3 on Thursday.”
Speaking to the media during today’s practice in Los Angeles, Ham pushed back against Davis’ comments, rushing to the defense of his coaching staff.
“I just think sometimes [when] the plays don’t turn out the way you think they should, the frustration sets in a little bit, but I don’t think it’s us not being organized. I have incredible, talented coaches all along my staff. Whether it’s a practice, a shootaround, or film session [or] a game, we pride ourselves on being highly efficient and organized.”
The Lakers head coach then offered an explanation for Davis’ reflections.
“I just chalk that up to being frustrated, it’s an emotional game [because of] the way it ended. So I’d agree to disagree on that one.”
Second Half Proves Costly in Lakers Loss to Nuggets
A frustrated Denver team was forced to take a timeout two minutes into the second half, trailing Game 2 68-48. The Lakers still managed to lose the game on a buzzer-beating, baseline shot by Denver’s Jamal Murray.
Denver tore through the Los Angeles defense in the second half, scoring 53 points in the final 22 minutes. Meanwhile, the Lakers combined for a meager 31 points on 36% shooting from the field.
Much has been discussed of the decision to stray away from Davis, who had been hot all night, and a major reason for the Lakers seemingly insurmountable lead.
Davis attempted a single(missed) shot in the fourth quarter. He did not score for the last 19 minutes of the game.
Nuggets Duo Is Inevitable
Meanwhile, the Nuggets turned up the heat in the second half, thanks to the leading efforts of Nikola Jokić and Murray.
Jokić kickstarted Denver’s comeback in the third quarter, on his way to yet another triple-double. The potentially three-time MVP finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Murray had been a mere shadow of his usual self for much of the night. Through three quarters, the 27 year-old had six points on 3-16 shooting from the field.
Somehow, the Denver guard managed to turn it around at the perfect time for Denver. Playing every minute of the fourth quarter, Murray scored 14 points on 75% shooting.
Murray then delivered the win at the buzzer, in what is perhaps the marquee moment of these young playoffs.
JAMAL MURRAY GAME-WINNER.
Nugs complete 20-pt comeback 😱🚨 pic.twitter.com/UnY7ezrTD8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 23, 2024
