Here is what you need to know before the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets.
1) Kyle Kuzma is legit Just 16 games into his rookie career, Kyle Kuzma went
from two points at halftime to 30 by the end of Friday night.
And though the Lakers fell to Phoenix Suns, Kuzma’s lights-out second half led
him to reset his career-high in scoring for the second straight game.
Per usual, Kuzma was excellent in transition and attacking the paint.
But what made this game special was his ability to hit different kinds of shots.
Kuzma’s scoring quiver included spot-up 3-pointers, a lethal spin move, a runner
and a few of his trusty hook shots. The end result was the highest scoring game
by a rookie this season (and a 10-rebound double-double).
Kuzma’s (16.4 ppg) offensive outburst also led him to leapfrog Dennis Smith Jr.
(15.2) for the second-best scoring average among rookies.
Another career night for Kyle Kuzma as he scored 30 points against Phoenix.
pic.twitter.com/UEq05CFQ5X
2) Suddenly the Lakers’ defense needs tightening The bad news for L.A. is
that it has allowed an average of 116.5 opponent points in its past two games.
The good news is that the Lakers are still ranked fourth in the NBA in defensive
efficiency.
The Lakers love to push the pace and started the year with success against
opponents that did as well. Versus the other three fastest teams in the league,
the Lakers began 3-0 but have now lost consecutive contests against Philadelphia
and Phoenix.
The most obvious causes have been dynamic performances from Joel Embiid (46
points, 17 rebounds, seven assists) and Devin Booker (33 points, six 3-pointers)
— two elite scorers who hit plenty of tough shots against the Lakers.
However, outside of that, L.A. can help its cause by limiting opportunities off
turnovers (19 against Phoenix) and keeping its opponents off the foul line (30
free throw attempts by Philly).
Also, after allowing the Suns to hit 13 3-pointers on Friday, it is crucial for
the Lakers to return to their airtight perimeter defense, having held their foes
to the NBA’s lowest 3-point clip this year (31.3 percent).
#LakeShow
A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Nov 17, 2017 at 7:58pm PST
3) Nuggets roll into L.A. with plenty of momentum Tonight’s opponent is one
that has spent the last five games proving its potency.
The Denver Nuggets have won four times over that stretch, including a 146-114
shellacking of New Orleans on Friday night.
The Nuggets were led by Jamal Murray, who dropped 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting
as Denver racked up its most points in regulation in 10 years.
Along with Murray, the Lakers will have to try to contain Nikola Jokic —
Denver’s do-it-all big man who ranks fifth in the NBA in rebounds (11.6) and
second among centers in both assists (4.7) and steals (1.5).
Jokic also has a 41-point game on his resume this season, while the Nuggets
boast scoring from other areas as well.
Four-time all-star Paul Millsap is a threat on both sides of the floor, Gary
Harris is one of the NBA’s most efficient guards, and Emmanuel Mudiay has
shockingly shot a team-best 47.4 percent on 3-pointers off the bench.
Injury Report Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (fractured second metacarpal, left hand)
is out. Nuggets: Mason Plumlee (core strain) is questionable.
Tip-Off: 6:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes Radio: 710
ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: White Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles,
California
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
Another career-night for Kuz. Finishing up with his first 30-point game of his
career (28 in the second half).
A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Nov 17, 2017 at 9:54pm PST
Player: Kyle Kuzma
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