But as the game progressed, the Lakers exposed another problem:
Their bench rotation lacked strength.
On the Nuggets' side, they had J.R. Smith, the "Nervous Saber"!
What was even more fatal was that J.R. Smith's performance tonight was really good, hitting consecutive three-point shots.
The charm of the three-pointer became apparent at that moment; although the Lakers had a higher overall shooting percentage inside, Smith kept filling the gap with three-pointers.
By halftime, the Nuggets led with a score of 53 to 48, ahead by 5 points.
However, Phil Jackson, the "Zen Master," remained calm, watching J.R. Smith dominate on the court, yet not showing any sign of worry.
Indeed, there's something to be said for the cunning of age.
The Nuggets, who had turned the tables at halftime thanks to J.R. Smith, also lost the game in the second half because of him.
