Lakers’ guard D’Angelo Russell, who endured a scoreless Game 3, rebounded impressively in Game 4, tallying 21 points, including four 3-pointers, in the Lakers’ 11-point victory over the Denver Nuggets. Russell attributed his turnaround to the mental preparation he undertook throughout the offseason and regular season, emphasizing his focus on remaining humble and staying true to his own convictions amidst external scrutiny.
Reflecting on his previous postseason performance, particularly in the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets last year, Russell acknowledged the criticism he faced and committed himself to improving. While his playoff performance this year has been inconsistent, he credits his resilience and the support of teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis for allowing him to maintain composure and contribute effectively.
Russell emphasized his intention to let the game flow naturally rather than forcing plays, highlighting the collective effort of the Lakers in Game 4, with contributions from various players like AR, Taurean Prince, and Spencer. He acknowledged the need for a collective team effort to secure victory and extend the series to Game 5 in Denver.
Regarding his offensive approach, Russell acknowledged his tendency to settle for difficult 3-point shots in Game 3 and made necessary adjustments for Game 4, opting to drive to the basket more aggressively, particularly when faced with defensive pressure.
