In the aftermath of a challenging Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves offered insights into the formidable task of competing against the reigning NBA champions.
Reaves, who contributed 13 points in the Lakers’ 114-103 loss to the Nuggets, emphasized the immense challenge posed by Denver’s disciplined approach to the game.
“They’re super frustrating, obviously, especially against a team like them because you almost have to play a perfect game anyway because they don’t make mistakes,” Reaves remarked, per Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation.
“When you kind of get them into say a 5-0, 7-0 run, they slow everything down and get exactly where they need… they know exactly what they’re gonna get,” he added, highlighting the Nuggets’ ability to capitalize on momentum swings and execute with precision.
Acknowledging the need for near-perfection against a team of the Nuggets’ caliber, Reaves emphasized the importance of controlling momentum and responding effectively to Denver’s runs.
“We just got to control when they go on a 7-0 run, we got to do the same exact thing,” Reaves stated.
