The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 20-point lead in Game 2 of their NBA Playoff fame against the Denver Nuggets, leading to a lot of criticism from fans and former players.
The loss puts the Lakers down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series against the defending NBA champions.
Back in the 1980s, the Lakers won championships and dominated in the playoffs thanks to their Showtime style of play and a killer instinct that took care of business when needed.
James Worthy was a big part of that success and knows what it takes to win in the playoffs. He didn’t see what he needed to see on Monday night.
James Worthy on the Lakers loss:
"They just lacked killer instinct, frivolous, unprofessional basketball plays in the playoffs of the 2nd game of a team that has your number" pic.twitter.com/k939lOeSOV
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 23, 2024
“This was a very tough loss right here,” Worthy said on Spectrum SportsNet. “I think of losses in Laker history this ranks right up there with it.
“The way they lost was typical of what they’ve been doing. You have to value the possession of the basketball when you have a lead. You cannot give two or three turnovers that will turn the game around and give Denver momentum…
“This was very disappointing. Poor execution down the stretch that led to turnovers. I don’t know what happens when we execute so well… AD before the half taking advantage of his ISO opportunities, D-Lo getting some good shots. I don’t know what we turn into. It’s always like we turn into, we’re scared to finish. Scared to finish the game. Turnovers. Miscommunication in defense.”
Our 'Access SportsNet' crew on the Lakers' blowing a 20-point lead in Game 2 against the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/oVx1tj5Utx
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 23, 2024
“They just lacked killer instinct. Unprofessional basketball plays in the playoffs of the second game over team that has your number,” he added.
That’s not what you want to hear from a guy who used to wear your uniform and won multiple titles while doing so.
