In the electrifying clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, tensions have surged as their first-round series intensifies, culminating in Saturday night’s showdown for Game 4 at 8:30 PM EST, set to air on ABC.
This matchup isn’t just about points on the board; it’s fueled by a history of animosity that’s been brewing between these two powerhouses. The Nuggets have emerged as a formidable force, boasting an impressive 11-game winning streak against the Lakers.
This dominance extends to seven consecutive victories in playoff matchups, painting a picture of undeniable supremacy on Denver’s part. Yet, despite this recent streak, it’s important to note that this isn’t the lengthiest playoff losing streak against a single team in the past two decades.
The genesis of this heated rivalry traces back to the Western Conference finals of 2020, but it was the clashes in last year’s Western Conference finals that truly ignited the flames of animosity, carrying the simmering tension into the offseason.
The verbal sparring between the two camps began with Denver’s head coach, Michael Malone, expressing his discontent after Game 1 of the 2023 Western Conference finals.
Despite the Nuggets’ victory, Malone took issue with the narrative surrounding the Lakers’ strategic adjustment of placing Rui Hachimura on Nikola Jokic in the second half. Malone’s frustration was palpable as he dismissed the significance of the Lakers’ move and emphasized the importance of being on the winning side.
As the series progressed, Malone continued to take aim at the Lakers, particularly their adjustment regarding Jokic. Despite Jokic’s stellar performance in Game 2, Malone felt his star player wasn’t receiving the recognition he deserved nationally.
The narrative, according to Malone, was unfairly centered on the Lakers’ adjustments rather than the Nuggets’ achievements on the court.
Even as the Nuggets advanced to the Finals, Malone didn’t miss an opportunity to take jabs at the Lakers. He seized the moment to assert Denver’s superiority, boldly stating that if anyone was discussing the Lakers in the NBA Finals, “that’s on them.”
Malone’s remarks didn’t go unnoticed by the Lakers’ camp. Head coach Darvin Ham, in particular, made his feelings clear during an appearance on the “This League Uncut” podcast, dismissing Malone’s moniker as the “Lakers’ daddy” with a pointed retort: “This s— ain’t over.”
As the new season dawned, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Media day for the 2023-24 season saw the Lakers responding to the Nuggets’ verbal volleys. Anthony Davis revealed that he and LeBron James found the trash talk motivational, while Austin Reaves acknowledged the added motivation it provided for the upcoming matchups.
However, amidst the rhetoric and anticipation, Malone remained focused on the task at hand. During Denver’s training camp, he emphasized the need to move forward and tackle the new season’s challenges head-on, choosing to ignore the noise from the offseason exchanges.
Yet, there’s an undeniable undercurrent of tension as the Nuggets and Lakers prepare to renew their rivalry on the court.
As the series unfolds, it’s not just about the points scored or the games won; it’s about pride, history, and the burning desire to emerge victorious in one of the most intense matchups in recent NBA history.
