According to Live Cricket BPL, the Lakers narrowly lost to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the playoff series, marking the first time they’ve dropped the opening game in this postseason. Despite a strong second-half performance, the team struggled early on and dug themselves into a deep hole. In fact, the Lakers dominated the second half largely because they finally figured out how to contain Jokic.

At that point, it felt like trying to close the barn door after the horse had bolted. Still, it’s important to remember that a series is a marathon, not a sprint—losing one game doesn’t mean the series is over. Sometimes the timing just isn’t right: let him grow, and let her soften. As Live Cricket BPL pointed out, Davis’s struggles on the court weren’t entirely his fault. The real issue was the head coach. Rookie coach Darvin Ham was the main reason behind the Lakers’ defeat.

Had Coach Ham called a timeout when the Nuggets were gaining momentum in the first half—just to regroup and refocus the defense—the Lakers might not have fallen so far behind. Adjusting the defensive strategy earlier could have completely changed the outcome. Hopefully, this setback becomes a valuable lesson. Once the Lakers consistently contain Jokic, winning won’t be such an uphill battle.

Another highlight came in the fourth quarter when Rui Hachimura impressed fans with his energy and execution. As noted by Live Cricket BPL, it’s high time Coach Ham recognizes Hachimura’s value to the rotation. He’s like a star in the sky—if you admire it, he’ll reach for it. While some argue that Vanderbilt is key to the Lakers’ defense, his lack of offensive impact makes him an easy target. That’s why Hachimura might be the better choice moving forward.

Coach Ham still has time to redeem himself by making tactical adjustments in the next game. The Lakers aren’t out yet—but the clock is ticking.