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Editor’s note: As we wait for real NBA basketball to return, we’re going to simulate the rest of the games that the Los Angeles Lakers have on their schedule on NBA 2K20.
The Lakers managed to overcome their defensive woes in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday, and beat the Dallas Mavericks 115-106 at Staples Center. On Wednesday, they weren’t as lucky — not even close.
Without Danny Green in the lineup, the Lakers struggled to guard the perimeter once again, and allowed Luka Doncic to score 30 points on 12-17 shooting from the field, including 3-8 shooting from behind the arc. Seth Curry also had it going on Wednesday, scoring 17 points on 3-8 shooting from behind the arc. As a team, the Mavericks shot 33% from 3-point range on 36 attempts, which is five less than their season average, but still less than the Lakers attempted (27).
The Mavericks won their shoot against the Lakers on Sunday, too; the only difference between Game 1 and Game 2 is that Los Angeles protected their paint on Sunday. After struggling in Game 1, Kristaps Porzingis had an extra pep in his step in Game 2, tallying 32 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks. Seven of his 18 rebounds were offensive rebounds.
Doncic also had a relatively easy time cleaning up the glass, grabbing 17 rebounds — six of which were offensive rebounds. That physicality and intensity the Lakers have shown all season was nowhere to be found on Wednesday.
The final score was 121-92. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 45 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Dion Waiters was the only other player to finish the game in double figures, but it took him 13 shots to get 10 points. That type of production isn’t going to get it done.
The Lakers will travel to Dallas on Sunday to try and retake. Hopefully Wednesday served as a wake up call for them.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.