The Lakers found themselves unable to overcome the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. This was despite a fourth-quarter surge that nearly derailed a historic game by Nikola Jokić. It allowed the Nuggets to maintain a perfect home record during the playoffs, setting a new NBA record in the process with seven home wins. The Nuggets went 34-7 at home during the regular season. All season long, the Nuggets have been the team to beat in the West. However, the Lakers' playoff run as a seven-seed has become the biggest threat to the team's first-ever Finals appearance.
However, there are plenty of reasons for Lakers fans to be hopeful about a Game 2 win. Firstly, LeBron James is 12-8 in playoff series where his team lost Game 1. Secondly, the Lakers' second-half adjustment against the Nuggets showed that the Nuggets are mortal and can be stopped. Thirdly, Shaq believes in his former team.
Shaq Confident Of Lakers Win
Speaking after the Heat took down Boston in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Shaq was riding high on confidence. “We coming. We coming. We ain’t laying down,” said O’Neal. “Would you like me to shock you now? Say it now? Lakers tomorrow. Guarantee it. Guarantee it!” the former Laker said. It's a bold prediction as the Lakers prepare to face another tough road game in Denver.
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The Lakers have faced the Nuggets three times in the Conference Finals and hold a 3-0 record in those series. In 1985, the Magic Johnson-Byron Scott Lakers dropped Game 2 to the Nuggets in a 4-1 series win. Meanwhile, the 2009 Kobe-Gasol-Carmelo Lakers dropped Games 2 and 4 in a 4-2 series win. Finally, LeBron and AD only gave up Game 3 to the Nuggets in 2020. Furthermore, the Lakers are 3-for-3 on NBA titles when beating the Nuggets in the Conference Finals. However, 2023 is new territory for the team, as they have never trailed the Nuggets in the Conference Finals. Do you agree with Shaq? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your #1 stop for all the latest news about the NBA playoffs.
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