Opposed to Nuggets during the first game of the regular season, the Lakers then presented themselves with a vindictive state of mind. Beaten sharply (4-0) in the conference final by Denver, mocked by Mike Malone, Anthony Davis and his team wanted revenge. Result: a defeat, followed by two others in the regular season…
From now on, LeBron James and his team remain on eight consecutive defeats against Nikola Jokic and company. So this time there is no question of bringing out the discourse of revenge.
“I think you’re giving it a little too much importance.”, explained the “King” to the press. “This is our first round duel. We are looking forward to the postseason. But I wasn't looking forward to a rematch… It shouldn't be personal at all. We stray from the game plan when we make things too personal. We have a game plan. We go on the field, we execute it and we deal with the results. I'm the last person anyone should ask this question. I've spent way too much time in the playoffs, and I know you shouldn't get excited after the first game or when you find out your opponent. We must remain calm.”
“No additional preparation”
It is especially D'Angelo Russell who might take things personally. Transparent during the last conference final, the leader was completely removed from the major five during the series.
But his contribution, and in particular his external address, will be decisive if the Lakers want to achieve the upgrade.
“It’s the same thing as against New Orleans”he nevertheless tempers. “It’s really the same thing. There is no additional preparation for me. I prepared all year to face anyone in the playoffs. Obviously you make it a Denver – D-Lo thing, but I’m just ready to fight.”
“D-Lo is in an incredible situation”concludes Darvin Ham. “He kicks opponents' butts and we expect him to do the same [contre Denver]. »
D'Angelo Russell | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
2015-16 | LAL | 80 | 28 | 41.0 | 35.1 | 73.7 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 13.2 |
2016-17 | LAL | 63 | 29 | 40.5 | 35.2 | 78.2 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 15.6 |
2017-18 | BRK | 48 | 26 | 41.4 | 32.4 | 74.0 | 0.6 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 5.2 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 15.5 |
2018-19 | BRK | 81 | 30 | 43.4 | 36.9 | 78.0 | 0.7 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 7.0 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 21.1 |
2019-20 * | All Teams | 45 | 32 | 42.6 | 36.7 | 80.9 | 0.4 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 6.3 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 23.1 |
2019-20 * | GOS | 33 | 32 | 43.0 | 37.4 | 78.5 | 0.4 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 6.2 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 23.6 |
2019-20 * | MIN | 12 | 33 | 41.2 | 34.5 | 87.3 | 0.3 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 6.6 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 21.7 |
2020-21 | MIN | 42 | 29 | 43.1 | 38.7 | 76.5 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 5.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 19.0 |
2021-22 | MIN | 65 | 32 | 41.1 | 34.0 | 82.5 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 7.1 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 18.1 |
2022-23 * | All Teams | 71 | 33 | 46.9 | 39.6 | 82.9 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 6.2 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 17.8 |
2022-23 * | MIN | 54 | 33 | 46.5 | 39.1 | 85.6 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 6.2 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 17.9 |
2022-23 * | LAL | 17 | 31 | 48.4 | 41.4 | 73.5 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 6.1 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 17.4 |
2023-24 | LAL | 76 | 33 | 45.6 | 41.5 | 82.8 | 0.4 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 18.0 |
Total | 571 | 30 | 43.0 | 36.9 | 79.2 | 0.5 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 17.8 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.