Since the start of the Playoffs, there has been a lot of talk about the contribution of a veteran like Rajon Rondo to the Lakers. If the leader once again lived up to his Playoffs nickname Rondo in Game 1 against the Nuggets last night, another former was particularly valuable to the gang at LeBron James. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for applauding Dwight Howard.
How to limit the impact of Nikola Jokic? Of all the questions that roamed Frank Vogel’s mind before the start of the series between his Lakers and the Nuggets, this one was clearly at the top of the list, with the Joker remaining on a sensational streak against the Clippers. To meet the unique challenge that Jokic represents, the Los Angeles coach announced the return of pivot JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard in the equation, they who had remained on the bench against the small ball of Houston. And last night, in Game 1, the second really responded, offering a big boost to his team. If JaVale started the match alongside Anthony Davis in the Californian racket, it was Dwight who really did a job: 16 minutes of play, 13 points 4/5 shooting and 5/8 free throws, 3 rebounds, 2 interceptions, 2 blocks, and above all a presence that took Jokic out of his comfort zone. With his athletic qualities, his physical impact and his intensity, he particularly weighed, causing in particular many faults and a certain frustration in the face. The Joker has been in foul trouble with three whistles against him in the first half, and a fourth at the start of the second. Coming into play early in the second quarter, Howard was a big part of LA’s dominance during the latter – winning 34-21 by the Angelinos – and even started in the five coming back from the locker room.
“I liked his energy. Dwight brought a big physical presence, and it will be a physical series. It wasn’t part of the plan [le fait de commencer la deuxième mi-temps, ndlr.], but I really liked the way he played in the first half. I felt like he could have an impact by starting the second. “
– Frank Vogel, after the game.
In operation redemption mode this year at the Lakers, Dwight Howard fulfilled his role very well during the regular season. A little more struggling in the bubble, the former Magic kingpin proved he was ready to contribute at the best time, even after a streak as a bench driver. A very good sign for a Lakers team who will need him in the next games of this opposition against the Jokic Nuggets. In the Los Angeles – Denver regulars, Howard had already shown that he could have a real part to play in this. matchup, and his performance on Friday is further proof of his usefulness. Because if the Angelinos manage to limit the Joker (21 points, 6 rebounds, and only 2 assists for 4 turnovers in 25 minutes during Game 1) on an individual level, but also its impact on the entire Denver collective, then they will have won a big battle in this series.
Off the bench, Dwight Howard brought precious minutes to help the Lakers gain the upper hand over the Nuggets Nikola Jokic. Like what, we can do things in 16 minutes, and his +/- of +14 speaks for him. We are now waiting for the Joker’s answer in Game 2.
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