Lakers fans are no doubt kicking themselves this morning after their team blew its third double-digit lead in their first round against the Denver Nuggets and now find themselves down 0-3. Jamal Murray hit a fadeaway game-winner over Anthony Davis's outstretched arms to beat the Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA playoffs first round. It is a shot that will stain the hearts and souls of the Lakers faithful for eternity.
The Nuggets' Game 3 win marks a remarkable 11 straight victories for Denver over the Lakers. Game 2's win came after trailing by twenty points in the first half and ten going into the fourth. Below are four things the Lakers must do to end the streak and avoid getting swept for the second consecutive year.
4) The Lakers need to take better care of the ball.
The Lakers are losing the turnover battle 27-15 over the series' first two games; they cannot afford to be sloppy with the ball. Denver is a good defensive team, but they aren't a high-turnover team. They ranked 27th in the league in opponent turnovers per game. A majority of these turnovers are just poor decisions. Denver is too good offensively to give up possessions. The ball is gold and the Lakers must take care of it.