Here we are in the Western Conference Finals with a rematch from the 2020 Bubble’s Conference finals. The Lakers and Nuggets both pose a big dominant presence lurking in the paint. Who will win the big battle to help advance their team?

The Series from 3 years ago was dominated in gentlemen’s sweep fashion by the Lakers. Much of the core pieces  from that match up are still bound. We have a hungry Denver Nuggets team ready to ascend as the true best team in the post season and not just the regular season. Lebron’s smart savvy gameplay leads the Lakers who have been much of an under dog through this entire season.

A.D vs Jokic

Ok lets address this here. The big man matchup between Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic. Davis has been playing his head off through this post season. The defensive impact is there with him altering every shot attempt and drive that gets remotely close to the paint, along with him averaging a smooth double double. That’s big time, however the offensive production dips in every other game. This is due to teams altering their game plan to contain Davis. He has yet to see a formidable matchup against another big man in the playoffs. Jokic, the triple double machine through the regular season and the playoffs. He has seen sturdier competition against Deandre Ayton and Rudy Gobert but nothing quite like Davis. Jokic will be the center to give A.D the most trouble. His stretching of the floor could be the emphasis needed to pull A.D away from the paint. Not to mention his play making ability to get his teammates involved with more floor spacing. Expect this to be a battle of attrition. Foul trouble will definitely be a factor here.

Efficient Lebron

Who is going to check Lebron? The big man clash has us all forgetting that arguably the greatest to do it is on the floor. Lebron is moving much slower but is still averaging a 23 point double double in the playoffs. I see it more as just him being passive and letting role playing guys become stars in big moments. Putting a lot of energy in those avenues assures him rest and a boost in overall team confidence. Lebron is picking his matchups and asserting himself in moments where it’s appropriate. True efficiency has been on display.

 Big Mal or Little Mal and MPJ

Jamal Murray is the other big impact player for the Nuggets. His regular season stats have seen a boost since the playoffs begun with 25.29 ppg 5.2 reb 6.5 ass on 46.1% shooting. The two man action with Murray and Jokic won’t be as effective with the shooting range of Jamal Murray compared to Steph Curry. Michael Porter Jr. will need to pose a threat with his streaky shooting. He has been the best spot up player in the league this year. Murray is clearly the best guard in this bunch. Look for him to play hard and give some great minutes. We’re going to need to see good minutes from both teams role players to know who will win this series.

The Verdict

The 2 teams here are 2-2 in their regular season showdowns. The Nuggets are riding on the production and ability of Jokic and Murray. If these two are capable of warping the Lakers defense and Jokic can dominate A.D then the Lakers can be in some trouble. This is purely the top defense vs the top offense. A lot can be said about the ability to post gaudy offensive numbers. However the playoffs is about strategy, grit, and late game decisions with great shot making. I was always taught that defense wins championships. I trust the Lakers top defense and their matchup against the weakest defense they’ve seen thus far in the tournament. I expect the Lakers to go heavy defensive personnel minutes for much of this series. Look for Lebron to take advantage in late game moments here.

Lakers in 6